TEAMS ROLL OUT WHEELBARROWS IN CHARITY PUSH
WHEN treating patients at Cairns Private hospital, Ramsay Allied Health staff always ask them to go the extra mile.
Now they’re going even further for them – 140km in fact, and all while pushing a wheelbarrow.
The Great Wheelbarrow Race returns this year and 25 teams will take part in the three-day event where competitors push a wheelbarrow for 140km from Mareeba to Chillagoe.
Inspired by the stretch of road named The Wheelbarrow Way, the race will be held from Friday to Sunday.
The Ramsay team includes 20 members and is raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service throughout the event by giving physiotherapy treatments to other participants before and after the race.
Ramsay Allied Health race team captain Sarah Mellan said the reason they decided to participate was to inspire and motivate their patients.
“We always ask our patients to go that extra mile for us when they’re a bit tired or sore as part of their rehabilitation process, and we thought what better way to show our patients what can be done if you work as a team than to run 140km as part of a race through a fantastic region pushing a wheelbarrow,” she said.
Race chairman Councillor Locky Bensted said the newly formed committee was thrilled the event was back after a two-year break.
Mr Bensted said there were prizes on offer, but the main purpose of the race was about participating in a unique and meaningful event.