Successful three-day bike event raises cash for second cardic catheter lab
This year's Cardiac Challenge has been hailed a great success with the three-day bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown raising more than $205,000 towards the goal of getting a second cardiac catheter lab in Cairns.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation recently announced it's aiming to raise $1.4 million for the vital lab at Cairns Hospital, which will mean fewer people having to travel away from TNQ for life-saving heart treatments.
Since its inception in 2007, the Cardiac Challenge has raised more than $3 million, with the foundation's fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe saying the 16-18 September event went very smoothly with 240 cyclists taking part and 95 volunteers helping them along the way.
“The weekend went really well, the weather was kind to us and the riders had an amazing time," she said.
"Riders participated from around the country, some who had been travelling in -2C in Canberra, but they really enjoyed the scenery and camaraderie.
“We know that patients in TNQ need a second cardiac catheter lab and we have a lot of community support to make it happen.
"These riders and their supporters have done an incredible job to help bring this project to fruition.
"Along the way we had incredible support and patience from the motoring public, particularly on the Kuranda Range one-lane closure.
“A large contingent of off-duty staff from Cairns Hospital’s cardiac unit took part as both riders and volunteers on the event, showing they are doing what they can to support those who support them.
"The cardiac unit at Cairns Hospital have an amazing vision of health care and we are working really hard to help make it happen.”
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