Eighteen-month-old Ellie Topliff was diagnosed with a rare genetic brain disorder called Tay Sach disease for which there is no treatment or cure.

Kristy McGrath, Ellie’s god mother, decided to ride from her home town of Stanhope, Vic to Ellie in Noosa, QLD to raise awareness and funds for Ellie’s family along the way.

Miss McGrath and her support team including fellow cyclist, David Fulton will travel 1728km during 15 days.

In February Kristy had never even ridden a bike before and borrowed a bike for her first 50km ride.

“I started training with Dave and I started pushing to 120km rides. I was working full time and with two young boys life was pretty hectic but all the support made it easier,” Miss McGrath said.

“I feel like I’m actually getting a bit stronger now. Knowing what Ellie’s family is going through is motivating and keeps you going. Knowing Ellie will be there at the finish line keeps you powering on,” she said.

The crew has been moved by how generous people have been along the trip.

“We’ve met some amazing people,” Miss McGrath said.

Mr Fulton said he saw Miss McGrath’s story in the paper and thought it was a long way for her to ride on her own, so offered to assist.

“I’ve done a few long rides before,” he said.

“It’s very draining. You’ve got head winds, pot holes and trucks. Then you get sunburn or rain. Sometimes it can be a bit rough,” he said. “But this is nothing compared to what Ellie’s parents are going through,” he said.

As the life expectancy for children suffering Tay Sach is two to five years, Ellie’s parents are hosting a birthday for her each month, so it will be Ellie’s 21st birthday the week after the crew arrive in Noosa.

There have only ever been three cases of this disease in Australia and Miss McGrath got to meet another little girl in Dubbo during the trip.

Miss McGrath’s ride is linked with the Brain Foundation with 10 per cent of the money raised going to research, and the remainder to Ellie’s family.

To make a donation you can visit the Brain Foundation’s website but ensure you reference the Ride for Ellie’s Smile so the money goes direct to the family.

You can also keep up to date with the ride via Facebook.