The Weekend Sun
5
Built from base up The father of a young Tauranga woman who passed away last year is putting the final touches on a motorcycle he’s built in her memory, to be auctioned for charity this weekend. Jesse Gibb-Kimber was born with a congenital heart defect and was not expected to live past her fifth birthday – but made it to 21 years old, passing away in Auckland Hospital in October. Father Mark (Slope) Kimber has been building a 1974 Triumph Trident 150v from a bare frame for the last two months and will auction it off at Brewers Bar in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. It’s been a struggle for Mark to find parts for the T150V, and two months is a “very short time” but he says he’ll have it finished for the auction at 6.30pm. “Trying to build a bike from a bare frame that’s 40 years old, when you can’t go into any shop and buy parts for, to do that in two months is a near-impossible task – but it’ll be ready.” All proceeds made will go to Bay of Plenty @Heart – which provides support and aid to children with heart defects in the region. While he can’t estimate what he has spent on the project, Mark says if
he could he would pay $15,000 for the motorcycle. “I have a minimum $12,000 loan that I would buy it at, but if it goes over that I’ll be happy.” A number of people have donated parts, with a plaque at Brewers Bar displaying their names. Jesse’s brother Luke and his partner have helped Mark complete the project – which has taken many sleepless nights – but is all worth it. Jesse was diagnosed at 18 months old with pulmonary hypertension and an aortic abnormality. Despite her prognosis, Jesse lived a full life and was always positive, he says. “Pauline and I knew we had special children from the outset. “Even in death she never let her medical problem win.” The auction is part of a full night planned in memory of Jesse at Brewers Bar on Saturday. There will be live bands and a special guest MC from 3pm with the auction at 6.30pm.. By Corrie Taylor
Luke and Mark Kimber with the 1974 Triumph Trident they have built. Photo by Bruce Barnard.