Orange cyclists set out on 500km ride to Newcastle to support Stronger Together spinal injury support group founded by Katherine Swain

Andrew Swain, Sophie Fardell, Harry Fardell, Al Hattersley, Peter Bell, Jenna Hattersley, James McMillan and Angus McKercher were farewelled by supporters as they left from McNamara Street.

The group have been training for the past six months for the ride that stop at Wellington, Mudgee, Denman and Polkobin before arriving in Newcastle on Saturday.

The group of eight are all good mates of Katherine Swain, a former Orange woman who last year sustained a serious C4/5 spinal cord injury after jumping into a shallow pool. She has since set up the Stronger Together foundation to provide support, education and equipment for those affected by spinal cord Injury.

Orange physiotherapist and ride participant Harry Fardell says Kath is "an absolute gem of a person" and her accident deeply affected everyone that knows her.

"She's the life of the party, everybody loves her...she's a beautiful mother. Just an all-round legend."

The Orange cyclists have already raised $74,000 for Kath's foundation through the Orange to Newcastle ride and a 24-hour Spinning for Spinal Support fundraiser at Integra Gym. They'll also be attending a major black tie event fundraiser for Stronger Together in Newcastle on Saturday night, hosted by comedian Hamish Blake.

Mr Fardell says the ride to Newcastle, which includes at least one ten-hour day, will be tough but it pales in comparison to what Kath has experienced.

"It's nothing compared to what Kath - or anyone else with a spinal injury - has to go through. Physically, but also mentally and emotionally," he said.

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