Pedalling out for heartfelt cause
CYCLISTS across the Far North are preparing to pedal more than 300km from Cairns to Cooktown this weekend – all in the name of charity. In its 11th year, the three-day Cardiac Challenge fundraising event will kick off on Saturday morning. This year’s event has attracted more than 200 riders to raise money for Cairns Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit.
CYCLISTS across the Far North are preparing to pedal more than 300km from Cairns to Cooktown this weekend – all in the name of charity.
Now in its 11th year, the three-day Cardiac Challenge fundraising event will kick off on Saturday morning.
An initiative of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, this year’s event has attracted more than 200 riders with a combined mission to raise money for Cairns Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit.
Among this year’s teams taking part is the Cooktown Cyclones.
“We ride that route back into town all the time of course, living here, but riding in with that massive pack is pretty special,” team representative Janet Mead said.
“Really for myself, taking part in this event is a great way of raising money for a cause that I believe benefits the whole community.
“I love cycling – in fact most of the people in our team love cycling.”
Mrs Mead is one of nine members of the Cooktown Cyclones – but not all of them live at Cooktown.
Cooktown Hospital nurse Rebecca Buldo’s son lives in Cairns and her brother-in-law lives in Canberra.
Fellow team members include Dale Tan, Ray Wright, Mick Buldo, Paul Buldo, Brendan Buldo, David Callick and Thipakhorn Upachakham.
“We’re really grateful for our local community’s support, particularly the RSL and bowls clubs, and those who contributed to our sausage sizzle recently,” Mrs Mead said.
To donate to the Cooktown Cyclones, visit http://bit.ly/CCCyclones
For more details about the Cardiac Challenge, or to make a donation, visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au