Just last week, the Home Hill / Ayr Lions Club were struck with a bolt of inspiration and amazement as Nicholas Tremaine cycled into the Burdekin as part of his Distance 4 Dementia fundraising initiative.
After witnessing the devastating and lifechanging impact the illness had on both his mother and uncle, Nicholas felt he could make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with and/or touched by dementia.
“Like many Australians, I am not alone in facing the reality of having a loved one living with dementia,” shared Nicholas.
“Now only a few years on, although my mother’s health has stablised, I am unsure if when I visit her she will remember who I am - now a shadow of her former, vibrant, enthusiastic and community orientated self, it is this that motivates me to fight for others and take on this challenging mission.”
Nicholas’ initiative, Distance 4 Dementia, will see him cycle all the way around Australia throughout 2025 with the goal of covering 40,075km – the equivalent of cycling the circumference of the earth with an average of 110km per day.
“I have set myself the mission of taking on the grueling challenge,” added Nicholas.
Hailing from Kangaroo Island, Nicholas has now made his way to the Northeastern Queensland coastline and on day 119 of his journey, Nicholas cycled from Airlie Beach to Home Hill where he shared his touching story with members of the Home Hill / Ayr Lions Club. After hearing of his travels and the difference Nicholas has already made on his journey, a member of the Home Hill / Ayr Lions Club kindly offered Nicholas a bed for the night, leaving Nicholas beyond grateful.
"The support I have received from Lions clubs across Australia has been amazing, as well as the support from the general public with offers of food, water and accommodation," expressed Nicholas.
"Truly I can’t express how much it means, thank you to everyone."
Dementia is currently the second leading cause of death in Australia, and provisional data indicates it may soon become the leading cause. In 2024, an estimated 421,000 Australians were living with dementia, and without a medical breakthrough, this number is projected to rise to over 821,500 by 2054.
“As I put my body to the test over the next year, I will document my journey every step of the way, driving awareness for the need to fight for a better future for people living with dementia and hopefully one day, a cure.”
To follow along with Nicholas’ journey, search Distance 4 Dementia on social media or visit https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/nictremaine/cycle-around-australia to make a donation.
Nicholas has been cycling across Australia since the 1st of January (Photo Source: Distance 4 Dementia)
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