Jennifer's memory Inspires warm gifts

Alison Roddick (Jen’s mum), members of the Townsville Restored Motorcycle Club, representatives from Hervey Range Rural Fire Brigade, Brett Geiszler and family visited Townsville University Hospital to present blankets, beanies, toys and a cheque for $5,600 raised from the 2022 Jennifer Board Memorial Ride.

More than 175 people including 150 motorcyclists took part in the commemorative ride from the Weir State School carpark to the Hervey Range Heritage Tea Rooms on Sunday 29 May. It would have been Jennifer’s 24th birthday on the weekend that the memorial ride was held. There was a huge outpouring of love and support for Jennifer and her family, Jen’s friends and each other.

The memorial ride received fantastic support from many local businesses and community groups, all donating to help the event and the cause. Motorcyclists from all aspects of the motorcycling culture from sports riders, cruisers and veterans supported the ride.

Jennifer was passionate about her motorcycling and promoted wearing all the appropriate protective gear all the time as well as safe riding practices.

Alison said after Jen's death, it took many months to even look at the pile of unfinished items they had started together to give to the hospital, but it’s also what helped her get through losing her.

“Jennifer and I used to make items together for the less fortunate and that would be one of the things we used to get us through our troubled times.

"When you’re at rock bottom in life the little things like giving or receiving a small gift can mean the world to you or someone else.

"Jennifer always had a real passion for giving of herself and inspiring others. She really loved children and babies.

"We were all overwhelmed with how many people joined them to make items for the children and babies at Townsville University Hospital, donate raffle prizes, give donations and their time towards something Jennifer loved so much.

“We are so grateful to everyone who donated, words cannot express just how humbling this process has been.” Alison said.

Jen’s family would like to sincerely thank Drew Jackson (Jen’s stepdad), The Townsville Restored Motorcycle Club, Hervey Range Rural Fire Brigade, Brett Geiszler and his family, who contributed an enormous amount of time and effort organising sponsorship and support for the ride. The wider motorcycle community in Townsville were also incredibly generous with their donations and their time to attend this event.

Brighter Lives CEO, Tanya Busoli said the items and funds will support children and babies at Townsville University Hospital.

“There are hundreds of beautiful handmade items that will make patients time in hospital a little brighter.