From Left to right Michael Louis and David Cherote on the road. Right: Louis arriving 4.30pm Tuesday greeted by his major sponsor J&J Robertson Transport, John Robertson.
At seventy years of age, Louis Cherote has undertaken an extraordinary journey, cycling approximately 400 kilometres from Sydney to Parkes in memory of his beloved son, Benjamin, who passed away at just 35 years of age.
Wednesday, 21 October 2026, marked the fifth anniversary of Ben’s passing. Louis set off on his ride on 15 October and arrived in Parkes on Tuesday, 20 October, having crossed the Blue Mountains and travelled through some challenging country roads, supported throughout the journey by his two brothers, Michael and David, who travelled in a backup vehicle.
What began as a deeply personal tribute has also become a wonderful fundraising effort for the Black Dog Institute, supporting mental health research and awareness.
Louis initially set himself a fundraising goal of $20,000. Through the generosity of so many people, he has exceeded that target and is now well on his way towards raising $30,000.
But behind the kilometres, the physical challenge and the fundraising is a much more personal story — that of a father’s enduring love for his son.
Parkes has always held a very special place in the Cherote family’s heart. Anne Cherote, the youngest of the Cherote family, was born and baptised in Parkes in 1963. Brothers Louis and Michael attended St Joseph’s Primary School, and Louis later attended Marist Brothers in 1965 and 1966. He also regularly visited St Aloysius Catholic Chapel, where he received his First Holy Communion.
The family lived in Parkes for several years during their childhood, and even though the family eventually left Parkes, they have returned from time to time, sometimes for the Elvis Festival and other times while travelling home from Broken Hill after Easter or Christmas.
Louis and his wife Marie married young and together raised five beautiful children — Alanna, Stephanie, Benjamin, Grace and Daniel. Ben’s passing at just 35 years of age devastated the entire family. For Louis and Marie, and Ben’s four surviving siblings, his absence is felt in countless ways.
For Louis, this anniversary ride is a way of honouring his son. He wants Ben to be remembered not for the circumstances surrounding his death, but for the remarkable man he was, the life he lived, his achievements and the lasting impression he made upon so many people.
On Wednesday, 21 October, at 9.45am, Fr Alex celebrated a special Memorial Mass for Ben at St Aloysius Memorial Catholic Church in Parkes.
Following Mass, family and friends gathered at the Parkes Leagues Club for lunch at 12.30pm.
If this ride encourages even one person to speak openly about their mental health, seek help when they need it, or reach out to someone who may be struggling, then Louis will have achieved something truly worthwhile.
Help Louis with his fundraising for mental health by supporting The black Dog Institute, donations can be made www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/louischerote
Pictured is Ben Cherote. For Ben’s parents Louis and Marie, and Ben’s four surviving siblings, his absence is felt in countless ways. Five years on, the love, admiration and pride they hold for Ben have never diminished.
Louis and Ben pictured together. Ben followed in his father’s footsteps, developing an early interest in building. Louis took him on as an apprentice carpenter, and father and son spent many years working alongside one another.
Pictured during their younger years in Parkes is Louis, Michael, David and Anne in Parkes backyard (14 Talbot Street). Parkes holds memories for the Cherote’s of childhood, family, and faith and was a time that remains very dear to them all.