FOUNDATION staff were ecstatic in January, when long-time volunteer and Cardiac Challenge instigator Pete McNally was named Cairns Regional Council Citizen of the Year.
Pete McNally’s efforts to improve the health of cardiac patients since pioneering the 333km Cardiac Challenge bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown in 2006 clinched him the 2019 Cairns Regional Council Citizen of the Year.
“To get an award, it’s not just for me, it’s for everyone (but) very humbling,” Mr McNally (pictured with partner Judi Phillips and Glenys Duncombe) said.
“There is a life after a heart attack or heart procedure, the message is you have got one heart, look after it. Be healthy, be happy and get out here and do things.”
Mr McNally was born with a hole in his heart, he avoided treatment by “running away” until finally being operated on at the age of 50.
He now cycles every day and educates cardiac patients on the critical importance of post-surgery exercise.
Having been born with a congenital heart defect, Pete was aware of the need for improved cardiac services in Far North Queensland.
The Cardiac Challenge has since raised almost $4 million to provide Far Northern cardiac patients with services for which they previously needed to travel to Brisbane or Townsville.
Pete is an advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and making cycling a genuinely inclusive activity.
This is supported by his involvement in the “Deadly Treadly” program, through which he engages and trains disadvantaged youth with the aim of participating in the Cardiac Challenge and other rides.
