The Nulsen Haven Association is set to benefit from the weary legs and aching muscles of a group of local business people and bicycle enthusiasts. The Main Roads LifeCycle Great WA Bike Ride begins on March 19 in Albany and winds its way through the state’s South West, covering 827 kilometres before arriving in Perth on April 1. Aurenda Injury Risk Managers managing director Deb Young, Zenith Insurance Brokers director Tim Gilbert, and Nulsen Haven chief executive Gordon Trewern will lead a nine-person team on the first leg of the ride – from Albany to Margaret River. Aside from engaging their passion for cycling, the team will use pedal power to raise much-needed funds for the disability services charity. Ms Young said she had decided to join the race as a corporate fitness initiative, but more importantly to raise critical funds for a low-profile Perth-based charity. “Sore muscles and long hours in the seat would be worthwhile if someone reaped the benefit of our efforts, hence our commitment to Nulsen Haven,” she said. The Nulsen Haven Association is a specialist charity that focuses on providing accommodation for the severely intellectually and physically disabled so they can live independently in the community. It has been operating in Perth’s southern suburbs for more than 50 years, largely out of the spotlight of mainstream public funding. Now, due to the positive changes the organisation has made to its clients’ lives, and improvements in care facilities and technology, Nulsen Haven’s target demographic is living longer, meaning they now require special nursing facilities as they age. This has brought a fresh funding challenge to the association and it aims to ensure old age brings with it the quality of life their customers have come to enjoy, from improved care and knowledge in the sector. With this challenge in mind the cyclists aim to raise $100,000 to contribute to Nulsen Haven’s Charlesworth Estate project, a housing facility that will offer 24 disabled people who require higher medical support the opportunity to live as independently as possible. Funds will be used for internal infrastructure, including medical equipment and furniture. They have made a positive start to their fundraising initiative and to date have raised $20,000 through the assistance of support from the corporate sector and individual sponsorship. Four major sponsors from the business community – AHG Automotive, St John of God Hospital Murdoch, Hall and Prior Aged Care and Contract power – have signed on to sponsor the team and they are hopeful of attracting more corporate backing and strong public support. “We would be appreciative of any support, and of anyone who would like to sponsor our team. Sponsors can do so simply by phoning Nulsen Haven on 1800 670 953 and registering their donation,” Ms Young said.