A four-day, more than 450-kilometre bike ride in memory of two family members killed by an impaired driver wrapped up in Dorchester Saturday afternoon. Jeff Wilson began the solo ride Sept. 9 at Brooks Falls in Emsdale, travelling by bike to Dorchester in support of MADD Canada. Wilson was riding in memory of his brother, Scott, and his five-year-old niece, Leaira, who were killed by an impaired driver in 2018. “He was that guy who everybody knew him. It didn’t matter where you went with him. There was always somebody that knew him,” said Jeff, of his late brother Scott. The ride ended Saturday at the Dorchester Cornfest before Wilson made his way to Dorchester Cemetery, where his brother is buried. Wilson, a personal trainer and owner of Rusted Iron Fitness, says physical fitness has helped him cope with grief and anxiety following the deaths. He says the ride is about honouring Scott and Leaira, while keeping the conversation about impaired driving going. “I just want everyone to know that there are always options. We don’t need to drink and drive home. There’s programs out there that can get you home, there are cabs, there’s always a sober friend. There’s so many people now are not drinking like they were in the past. So, call somebody and get a ride, and make sure you get home safe,” Wilson said. Wilson’s goal was to raise at least $10,000 for MADD Canada, with all funds raised through the campaign going directly to the organization. The ride was also intended to remind people that the consequences of impaired driving are devastating and preventable. For Wilson, the journey was both a fundraiser and a personal tribute to two people whose lives were cut short. Donations can be made online.
