Pedal power in Ride for Isabel

MORE than 150 cyclists will take to the road tomorrow to raise money to support parents and families who have experienced stillbirth or early pregnancy loss.

Ride director Coral-Leah Kemp said the annual Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Ride for Isabel, which donates proceeds to Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support) in Queensland, is in its 10th year and sold out in record time.

“The ride has continued to gain popularity and this year, we anticipate our fundraising efforts will top $100,000.

“Starting and finishing at Norman Park in Gordonvale, the course will take riders on a scenic journey along Pine Creek Rd to Bessie Point before heading over the Mulgrave River, past Walsh’s Pyramid and through the lush green cane fields of Aloomba.”

While the ride will be escorted by marked vehicles and supported by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Ms Kemp said road users should keep an eye out for cyclists and slow down as they pass.

Ride for Isabel was founded by Queensland Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt and wife Kerry, to honour the memory of their daughter Isabel and raise awareness and funds for Sands Queensland.

“When we started this ride 10 years ago, it was a way of healing our family and keeping the memory of Isabel alive,” Mr Pitt said.

“To have raised funds and increased awareness of stillbirth and pregnancy loss to the extent we have has been an amazing outcome.”

The ride is attended by a number of local nurses and midwives, including midwife Mary McGuinness, who said she enjoys attending the event each year to support such a worthy cause.

“The Ride for Isabel is very close to my heart on account of the many families I have worked with when they lose babies,” Mrs McGuiness said.

“The services offered by Sands really complements the service provided by Cairns Hospital’s Pregnancy Loss Coordinator, by supporting families who have to return home without their baby.”

While registrations for the ride have closed, donations can still be made to Ride for Isabel at www.rideforisabel.org.au

WORTHY CAUSE: Cairns midwife Mary McGuiness (left), pictured with Ride for Isabel pack leader Jayne Steinborner, says the event is close to her heart after having worked with many families who have lost babies. BELOW: Riders follow a scenic route past Walsh’s Pyramid.