Bike ride by paramedics revives support
PARAMEDIC Glenn Preston has taken to Queensland’s roads and highways to spread the word about a reinvigorated initiative designed to help his colleagues in need.
The officer-in-charge of Oakey ambulance station arrived home on Monday from a 2000km bike ride which started in Brisbane and ended in Cairns 18 days later.
Mr Preston was heavily involved in the organisation of the ride, undertaken to raise awareness of the rejuvenated Queensland Ambulance Service Legacy organisation.
He said the legacy side of the ambulance service had lapsed, but with the support of other paramedics and staff from around Queensland, had become the subject of greater focus.
“Nobody had done anything for the past 12 years,” Mr Preston said.
The Pedal4Paramedics ride was the first event of the rejuvenated organisation.
Even though it was designed as a method to raise awareness, the team of riders and support crew raised more than $4000 from people who wanted to contribute to the cause.
Mr Preston has taken up the role of treasurer in the ambulance legacy organisation.
He said another ride was planned for the Cairns area next year, although it would probably be shorter than this year’s event.
“The plan from now is we will be visiting other stations to make sure we are getting the word out.”