START foundation was established in 2013 through the inspiring story of Kerryn Harvey who contracted a life threatening flesh-eating bacteria, as a result of a seemingly minor cycling accident, while on a ride in Adelaide. Radical surgery was required to save Kerryn’s life and a right forequarter amputation (arm and shoulder) was performed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. After the operation, Kerryn repeatedly battled against the odds and survived.

The START foundation has grown each year to provide more amputees with sporting limbs and adaptive equipment to enable them to achieve their sporting dreams. Kerryn’s words couldn’t be truer when she states “the positive impact on an amputee’s life is immeasurable.”

Manuela has been a cycling friend of Kerryn’s for quite some years, attending their inaugural charity ride for the first leg of Perth to Kalgoorlie.