By Kerry Larsen

A freak skydiving accident 15 years ago should have been the end of Port Douglas woman, Lesley Stephens.

Ms Stephens’ parachute became entangled with a fellow skydiver’s whilst parachuting with her son in the Northern Territory in 1996. The resulting fall to the ground - at more than 100 kilometres per hour - provided such severe injuries that doctors thought she wouldn’t live.

She not only lived, but took on a new mantra - inspiring others. And that has resulted in a nomination for a courage medal in the annual Pride of Australia awards.

If she’s not seen motivating others at the local gym, Ms Stephens is busy organising the annual Whitelion Jungle Ride, a 90km charity bike ride from the Port Douglas Surf Club to PK’s Jungle Village to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest (or a 180km ride back again).

The proceeds of the ride go towards empowering young people who have strayed off their path to reach full potential.

Coming up to its third year, Ms Stephens says organising the Jungle Ride, and getting locals to participate, provides her with a focus other than her own rehabilitation.

“It really has enabled me to focus on something important, such as why these kids got into trouble and how we can help them,” she said.

“And the Jungle Ride not only raises funds for these disadvantaged kids, but it gets ordinary people involved in something extraordinary.

“As competitors, they realise the race distance is achievable and it gives them a new outlook on life.”

Ms Stephens said the nomination for the medal came as a complete surprise, with the three finalists in the category to be selected on the criteria of “those who have overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character”.

“When I received the letter saying that I had been nominated, I was completely surprised.

“I don’t know who nominated me. I’m sure there are many other people out there who are more worthy than I,” she said with modesty.

Ms Stephens’ battle with her horrific injuries continues, with ongoing hip and shoulder surgeries keeping her off her own bike since last November.

“I just really want to get moving again,” she said. “Especially with the Tour de France happening at the moment, it’s hard to watch because I’m itching to get back on the bike again.

“But at the end of the day, I’m lucky to be here. Not a day goes by without appreciating what I’ve got.”

The next Whitelion Jungle Ride is scheduled for October 29, just two weeks after the Pride of Australia awards ceremony in Brisbane. Nominations are now open and can be made by emailing Lesley at las56@bigpond.net.au. Registration is $85, which includes a commemorative t-shirt.

More information on Whitelion can be found on their website.