Hearts and lungs will be pumping hard together in the lead-up to this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge in September.
After four years riding with the Cardiac Maniacs, Cairns Hospital Director of Respiratory Dr Stephen Vincent has formed his own team “Lungs of Steel” with some funds from this year’s ride going to support respiratory services. Dr Vincent was the first to register this year, beating Director of Cardiology Dr Greg Starmer. “I’m delighted to be working closely with the respiratory team for fundraising efforts, particularly as hearts and lungs are so physically close to each other,” Dr Starmer said. “We’re looking forward to some healthy fundraising competition between respiratory and cardiology because it’s all for everyone’s benefit. We already have a close working relationship as hearts and lungs are pretty interdependent.”
Funds raised at this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge will go towards a ventilator for cardiology, a lung function testing system and an endobronchial ultrasound system for respiratory. “I’m honoured to be part of such a great event which has already demonstrated a significant benefit to the Far North. The money raised in 2021 will improve both the hearts and lungs of the community,” Dr Vincent said.
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge will see the Far North Queensland community rally together to ride the 333 kilometres from Cairns to Cooktown in September.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said, “it was heart-warming to see different health specialties working so closely together. They do a great job clinically, they do a great job on the ride supporting each other and they’re going to do a great job fundraising together.” In addition, Mr Williamson said he was pleased to have QSuper’s support as the major sponsor again this year.
QSuper Chief Executive Officer Michael Pennisi said “QSuper was committed to investing in initiatives which create long-term benefits for Queenslanders.” “QSuper looks after the retirement savings of many Department of Health employees in the state’s far north and we are proud to support an initiative that helps our members working in cardiac health provide state-of-the-art care for their patients.”
Mr Williamson said “We have absolutely loved working with QSuper, their team is very engaged and they really understand what we are about. Working together with them on our common goals has been incredibly rewarding and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.”
• Visit cardiacchallenge.com.au. This year’s ride is from September 25-27.
About the QSuper Cardiac Challenge The QSuper Cardiac Challenge is an annual fundraising bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown, hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. 2021 will be the 15th time the Cardiac Challenge bike ride has been held, with more than $4 million raised for cardiac services by the Foundation, in that time.
About QSuper QSuper is one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, with $120 billion in funds under administration. From humble beginnings more than a century ago, today they manage the retirement savings of more than 600, 000 members. More information https://qsuper.qld.gov.au.
Photo: Dr Greg Starmer, Dr Stephen Vincent and Foundation CEO Tony Williamson.
