'So grateful': Kamloops woman gifted new bike after hers was stolen

Marlene Hibbs. (via Contributed)

A Kamloops woman who's riding to Ottawa to talk mental health reform with the prime minister received good news today (June 18).

Her bike, which was stolen five days ago while she was at a McDonald's in Edmonton, is going to be replaced.

"I woke up to this message (that said), ‘OK, we’re going to take care of you,'" says Marlene Hibbs. 

The mental health advocate tells KamloopsMatters Norco Bicycles, the maker of her first bike, will be donating a set of wheels to her cause.

Hibbs wants to sit down with Justin Trudeau and explain, from personal experience and from stories she's heard along her route, how better mental health services are needed. 

"I'm really thrilled and so grateful," she says of getting the message from the Port Coquitlam-based company.

Hibbs, who left Kamloops on May 24, will be picking up the bike tomorrow (June 19) at Mud Sweat and Gears in Edmonton. 

Paul Burgess, owner of the bike shop, says he'll be donating any accessories or equipment Hibbs needs to continue her journey to Parliament Hill.

"Every year, there are dozens of people that take it upon (themselves) to raise funds for charities. We certainly help where we can, and it’s unfortunate when things like this happen to people that are trying to make a difference. It’s nice to be able to step up and use our resources to help," he says. 

As for Hibbs, she plans to hit the road by June 20 or 21. She'll be riding to Calgary next.

"I’m very humbled. I think it speaks to the larger picture here, that it’s all for mental health, and rallying behind me is a rally for mental health. That’s how I see it. It’s an immense honour," she says.