Raymond Terrace resident, Ian Kidd is embarking on a 43-day cycling journey across state borders from Western Australia to New South Wales, raising awareness for domestic violence charity, Got Your Back Sista (GYBS).

Starting in Exmouth and finishing in Byron Bay, the milestone 5,400-kilometer ride will be Ian’s largest venture having supported charities, such as Got Your Back Sista and Lifeline, over the past three years through cycling fundraising.

Ian’s goal this year is to raise $30,000. He said that he will continue to dedicate his time and body through this fundraiser to raise awareness of GYBS throughout Australia, having resonated closely with the charity’s mission to rebuild the lives of woman who have suffered domestic violence.

“The most important thing to me is rebuilding people’s lives, because I’ve had to do that myself to a certain degree,” Ian said.

“I’ve talked to some of the people whose lives Got Your Back Sista have supported and they’re just so inspirational.”

Ian is a medically retired teacher, who tragically during his career, experienced the loss of four of his students to suicide.

After receiving a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2006, Ian spent the following years rebuilding his life and relationship with his mental health.

During this time, Ian has grown a large appreciation for services and charities dedicated to assisting people through dark times.

Got Your Back Sista is a non-for-profit domestic violence charity founded in 2016 that has supported over 1,000 women who have escaped the trauma of family violence.

With the sole purpose of educating, protecting and supporting women and children escaping domestic violence circumstances, the charity, founded by Melissa Histon, offers a range of programs and services designed to put women back on their feet.

“We’re so grateful for the work Ian is doing to support our charity,” Melissa said.

“In Newcastle and Australia wide, domestic violence is a rising epidemic.

“Through acts such as Ian’s, we hope this will raise awareness to woman of the support and guidance charities like ours can provide to know they aren’t alone.”

In 2022 alone, at least 50 women were murdered from domestic violence. This staggering statistic is only the beginning, with 2023 starting off the same way, with 10 women killed in just 20 days.

IMAGE | Ian Kidd with the Got Your Back Sista team.