Bays' wish journey
Learn more about the inspiring story behind the Bays' Wish event
Last month saw the very special event Bays’ Wish take place. Open to the public for the first time, this fundraising ride is held in memory and celebration of Bays.
Meet Bays
Born in 2003, Bailey – best known as Bays – was first rushed to hospital at just four months old. He spent extended periods in hospital, and at three years old, was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.
For mum Andrea, dad Roger and brother Zac, their world was turned upside down and in the early stages of his illness, Bays’ family were told he would not be able to do many things due to his condition.
Riding a bike was on that list, but a brave young Bays proved all the doctors wrong. First a three-wheeler and then straight onto two wheels - Bays loved riding his bike.
Roger and Andrea first met the Make-A-Wish team in 2011 when they learned Bays would be eligible for a wish. Bays loved riding his bike just like his dad, and so a wish involving bike riding seemed the obvious choice.
Then in 2012, the unimaginable happened, when Bailey suddenly passed away and the Fuller’s lives changed forever. One of the most precious people in their world was gone with no time for goodbyes.
Of this period in their lives Roger says “the pain of loss hurts today as much as it did the day we lost Bailey. Time doesn’t heal all things”.
A ride in honour of Bays
While Bailey never got the chance to experience his wish, Roger decided to ride in his son’s honour, fundraising for Make-A-Wish to help kids like Bays.
Word quickly spread to Roger’s cycling club – Tunga Six Cycling – and soon his individual and very personal challenge had to be capped at 24 riders and six ground crew.
In 2019, the team successfully rode 1,200km over eight days raising more than $61,000 for Make-A-Wish. In March this year, the ride took place for the second time with a goal of raising $100,000 to help make more wishes come true.
From this year, Bays’ Wish is open to the public as an annual event, as well as a virtual event so Australians across the nation can get involved.
You can read more about Bays’ Wish or how to take part in future at www.bayswish.org.au