It wasn’t just a birthday Brett Sturgess wanted to celebrate—it was a milestone he wanted to mark with purpose. Turning 60, Brett chose to give back in a way that truly matters, supporting a cause close to his heart for more than a decade.
So, he signed up for the Miles for Smiles charity cycle challenge once again and invited his friends to come along for the ride. Together, they completed an epic 360km from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, pushing through heat, long days, and sore legs—all in support of Cambodian Children’s Fund’s Kindergarten Program.
So far, they’ve raised more than USD $115,000 (AUD $163,000) and counting, helping ensure that at-risk children in one of the most deprived areas of Cambodia have safe spaces to learn, play, and thrive while their parents are at work.
I wanted to do something special, and this is obviously something very dear to my heart
The team of 24, including 19 riders, plus one very special toddler passenger, a first in Miles for Smiles history, received a hero’s welcome as they arrived at CCF’s Yeo’s Kindergarten.
Brett and Leanne Sturgess, long-time CCF supporters, donors, and child sponsors, led the ride, making it especially meaningful as Brett celebrated his 60th
“This is very overwhelming. I am so happy to be here,” Brett said. “It’s my 60th birthday. I wanted to do something special, and this is obviously something very dear to my heart.”
Brett, from Brisbane, Australia, who is the Managing Director of the family business, MJS Floorcoverings, is also a member of the Board of CCF Australia as Chair of the Advisory Committee.
All the riders were greeted at CCF by the kindergarten children with cheers, hugs, and dance performances, celebrating their arrival in style.
And a chance to make new friends or greet familiar ones
Scott Neeson, CCF’s Founder and Executive Director, thanked the riders:
“We really appreciate all that you’ve done for us and all that you do throughout the year. The money goes to a really special place. You can see here where the money goes; it really does hit the ground.”
Among the excited children were 11-year-old Srey Leap and 12-year-old Pheaktra, both sponsored by Brett and Leanne.
We thought it would be a great opportunity to help the kids here.
Issac Lennon completed the ride while his wife, Khriai, did the walking tour with 14-month-old daughter, Zoe.
“I attended a charity gala in Sydney with Brett Sturgess as one of his guests. At that event, we saw what CCF was all about, met Scott, and were really inspired. We donated some money through my business. We got invited on this trip with Brett, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to help the kids here,” said Issac, Founder and Managing Director of Inline Floors group of companies, a leading commercial flooring contractor and supplier in Australia with offices in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
I can give back to those in need in Cambodia through an amazing organisation, CCF
“It is an amazing culture, with lovely people throughout the country. Many families here live in extreme poverty. I see this fundraising ride as a way I can give back to those in need in Cambodia through an amazing organisation, CCF,” said Chris.
“I was overwhelmed when we arrived. I started to cry as we were walking in.”
Chris wanted to do more and signed up to sponsor a CCF student, a girl, on the trip.“She’s five, so I’m committed for quite a while. I just met her this morning,” he said.
For many riders, the journey was not just a physical challenge but an emotional one. Fabian Morgan, who has raised more than USD $37,680 (AUD $53,600) with his family, described walking through the local community where CCF works:
“It’s absolutely heart-wrenching to see the way the kids live and are cared for—or not cared for—by their families, and then to see them here, being fed and looked after. The smallest gestures really make a difference.”
Fabian’s wife, Natalie, and two children, Alexa, 18, and Nicholas, 16, also joined the trip.
It was really cool to see where CCF works and why it matters so much
“We did the night walk last night, and it was amazing. It was really confronting, but at the same time, it was really cool to see where CCF works and why it matters so much,” said Alexa, 18, who is studying law and has ambitions to get into international law and work in the development sector.
We get so much more out of CCF than we give.
Leanne Sturgess said the group was bonded by a common aim.
“CCF is what brought everybody together. Everybody now has something in common, and it’s something so special,” she said.
She spoke warmly about the five kids and a granny that she and Brett sponsor through CCF.
“Each visit, we see the children grow. It’s really special. You feel part of their life, and they feel part of yours. The nicest part is having that bond with the kids. They feel like family. We get so much more from CCF than we give. We get so much back, it’s lovely.”
There are lots of charities out there, but with CCF, the majority of the money goes to the front line
Brett Sturgess summed up the spirit of the ride:
“It’s amazing. You see where these kids come from and where they end up; that’s what makes me do what I do. There are lots of charities out there, but with CCF, the majority of the money goes to the front line.”
Miles for Smiles 2026 is still accepting donations. You can help ensure CCF’s kindergartens continue their life-changing work here.
