Chris was deeply moved by the devastating news of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which destroyed communities and left countless families without parents across Thailand. As he watched his own three daughters—aged 3 years, 2 years, and just 3 months old—playing with their Christmas presents the following day, one thought stayed with him: “What if that happened to us and our girls were left without parents!”
Over the years, Chris closely followed the incredible work of Hands Across the Water, the charity founded in 2005 by Peter Baines OAM to support children orphaned by the tsunami. Wanting to make a meaningful difference, Chris planned to join a fundraising bike ride in 2019, but COVID interrupted those plans. Instead, he participated in the charity’s virtual ride and continued supporting the cause through fundraising.
When another Hands Across the Water charity bike ride was announced for 2025, Chris immediately committed with the full support of his family and the Ceebeks™ team. In March 2025, he joined 24 riders who personally funded their own travel expenses to complete an incredible 500km ride across 5 days, raising vital support for vulnerable children in Thailand. Chris personally raised more than $9,500 for the charity.
The experience had a profound impact on both Chris and Ange. Inspired by the journey, they chose to sponsor Wit, the young boy Chris rode for during the event. They have now committed to participating again in September 2026, with Chris returning as a rider and Ange joining as part of the support team for the children’s homes.
