Spinning for Smiles: WPH Sports Club Rides for Sick Kids
When community meets compassion, incredible things happen — and that’s exactly what unfolded when West Pennant Hills Sports Club joined forces with Ronald McDonald House Charities GWS for a powerful day of pedalling and purpose at The Big Spin.
Key Points
- WPH Sports Club take on a 12-hour spin challenge for sick kids
- The event "The Big Spin” took place last Friday 5th of September at Bennelong Lawn overlooking the Sydney Opera House
- They raised $11,800 for Ronald McDonald House Charities GWS
- This equates to funding 73 nights & 621 meals at Ronald McDonald House for families with sick kids attending Westmead Hospital
- There were 70 teams in total who took place and raised over $570,000 in total for the day
On Friday, 5 September, the team from West Pennant Hills Sports Club took on a challenge that was as inspiring as it was exhausting — a 12-hour spin marathon at the picturesque Bennelong Lawn, with the iconic Sydney Harbour as their backdrop.
The event, known as “The Big Spin”, brought together 70 teams from across Sydney, all pedaling with purpose to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS).
The WPH Sports Club team didn’t just show up — they showed out. With unwavering energy and community spirit, they raised an impressive $11,800, enough to fund 73 nights of accommodation and 621 meals for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at Westmead Hospital. These nights offer more than just a bed — they provide comfort, stability, and a sense of home during some of the most challenging times a family can face.
But this isn’t a one-off act of generosity. West Pennant Hills Sports Club has a special affinity with RMHC GWS, visiting the house at Westmead once a quarter to participate in the “Meals from the Heart” program. During these visits, the team takes over the kitchen for the evening, cooking dinner for families staying at the house — a gesture that brings warmth and nourishment in more ways than one.
In addition to their hands-on support, the Club also contributed $10,000 through ClubGRANTS to fund RMHC GWS’s “Day Pass” program. Traditionally, the house was reserved for families travelling from regional areas, but this new initiative allows Sydney metro families to utilise the house during the day. It’s a game-changer for parents who need a comfortable space close to the hospital while their children receive treatment, without the added stress of commuting back and forth.
The Big Spin was a resounding success, with all participating teams collectively raising over $570,000. The funds will go directly towards supporting RMHC GWS’s mission to keep families close to their children in hospital, easing the financial and emotional burden that often comes with long-term medical care. There is still time to donate here.
“It was an incredible day of teamwork, sweat, and heart,” says Lee Ludgate, the Club’s Gaming Manager.
“Knowing that every kilometre we rode helped a family stay together during tough times made every pedal stroke worth it.”
As the sun set over Sydney Harbour, the event wrapped up not just with tired legs, but with full hearts. The WPH Sports Club team’s contribution stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and a little bit of cardio.
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