From Geraldton to Perth, a lifelong member of WA’s western rock lobster industry is taking on an extraordinary endurance challenge to raise funds for Telethon.

Western Rock Lobster (WRL) is proud to sponsor Geraldton local Chris Ashton as he embarks on an ambitious fundraising journey, combining a 450-kilometre cycling challenge from Geraldton to Perth with a gruelling 24-hour continuous spin bike challenge, all in support of Telethon 2026.

Having spent much of his working life in the western rock lobster industry, Chris has strong connections to the fishing communities along the Western Australian coast. Beginning his career as a deckhand before progressing to skipper, Chris spent many years fishing around Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands. Today, he continues his involvement in the industry, operating a carrier vessel servicing fishers working around the Abrolhos Islands.

His connection to the industry makes this sponsorship particularly meaningful for WRL, bringing together the generosity of the fishing community and a shared commitment to supporting Western Australian families.

An Extraordinary Challenge for a Worthy Cause

On 9 October, Chris will set off from Geraldton on a two-day, 450-kilometre cycling journey to Perth. Just six days later, he will take on a second endurance challenge, cycling continuously for 24 hours on a spin bike at RAC Arena during Telethon weekend.

The ambitious effort builds on Chris’s successful 2025 campaign, when he completed a 24-hour spin bike challenge and raised approximately $10,000 for Telethon.

This year, Chris has set his sights even higher, with a fundraising target of $20,000 to help support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families across Western Australia.

While the challenges will test his physical and mental endurance, Chris is motivated by something much bigger.

As he explains, he is simply an ordinary bloke who believes that everyone can make a difference by doing what they can.

Bringing the Fishing Community Together

WRL’s sponsorship recognises Chris’s longstanding contribution to the western rock lobster industry and provides an opportunity to rally support from fishing communities and industry businesses across the state.

From Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands to fishing ports further south, the western rock lobster industry has strong ties to regional communities and families. Chris’s fundraising campaign is an opportunity to demonstrate that community spirit while supporting a cause that makes a meaningful difference to children and families throughout WA.

Western Rock Lobster congratulates Chris on his remarkable commitment and encourages members, industry partners and the broader community to get behind his fundraising efforts.

Support Chris Pedals for Telethon 2026

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Chris move closer to his $20,000 fundraising goal and contribute to Telethon’s important work supporting WA children and families. 

Join Western Rock Lobster in supporting Chris as he pedals his way from Geraldton to Perth and takes on 24 hours of cycling for a great cause.

Donate today and support Chris Pedals for Telethon 2026.

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