Help Gabe achieve his dreams and inspire others

My mate Gabe Lieschke is an amazing young man who needs your help.

18 months ago,Gabriel’s life changed forever.

During a regular gym workout Gabe tore his right bicep.

What should have been routine surgery to repair the tear followed by rehab turned into a nightmare which almost cost Gabe his life.

3 days after the procedure Gabe was rushed back to hospital, his arm had doubled in size and he was semi unconscious.

Gabe had acquired an infection known as Necrotizing fasciitis or, simply put, the flesh eating disease.

Gabe was in an induced coma for ten days, during that time he underwent 11 major surgerys.

To save Gabe’s life, surgeons had to amputate his dominant right arm above the elbow.

The chances of Gabe waking up from his coma were slim, and we were told to prepare for the worst.

But Gabe is a fighter and he lives life to the fullest. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

When Gabe regained consciousness the first thing he said to me was “I just have to eat this” shortly followed by “I think I want to do track cycling!”

Since then, Gabe has made astonishing progress.

Going from never riding a road bike, to cycling 10+ hours a week, taking part in races at a national level, and taking up countless other disciplines.

Gabe’s goal is to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Cycling is an outrageously expensive sport, especially at a competitive level, multiple bikes, items of kit, the cost of coaching, travel, the list goes on.

When I asked him why he didn't choose running he said “well running with one arm wouldn't even be that hard” as he laughed.

Eighteen months after the amputation he has only recently received a basic prosthetic for everyday use and a basic unrefined one for competitive cycling.

Prosthetics for competitive cycling cost a lot of money and take a long time to develop for performance.

My goal is to raise $26,544 for Gabe through the form of a cycling challenge known as Everesting.

The rules are simple: ride up any hill, anywhere in the world, multiple times, until you reach the cumulative elevation of Mount Everest (8,849m), in one push, without sleep. $3 for every meter climbed.

Funds raised will go towards equipment, bikes, travel, training, ongoing rehab and prosthetics.

But more importantly, your donation will go towards inspiring other people.

Gabe’s story shows no matter what adversity life throws at you, you can survive if you put your heart and soul into coming out the other side.

I invite you to support my hero and friend Gabe Lieschke.

Follow Gabe on Instagram to see his story @gabelieschke