WHAT does 215 cyclists, 333 kilometres, 45 supporters and 101 volunteers add up to? $465,000 raised in the 2022 QSuper Cardiac Challenge.
The final fundraising tally is the outcome of 2022’s fundraising bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown – the event’s second highest outcome in its’ 16 years history.
In that time, the event has now raised more than $5 million to improve cardiac outcomes throughout Far North Queensland.
In 2022, riders – including several consultant cardiologists and the Cairns Hospital “Cardiac Maniacs” team – raised the tally to buy vital equipment including a bronchoscopy simulator for training purposes and a nasendoscope to help asthmatic patients.
Purchasing this equipment means patients in regional and rural areas can access advanced cardiac care facilities in their communities, without the added stress of travelling to a major city like Brisbane for treatment.
The fundraising event is hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organisation that raises money for health care services across Far North Queensland.
Foundation CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Gina Hogan said the money raised through the challenge “has made a huge difference to thousands of patients through the equipment purchased.”
“From items like the Lucas Chest Compression device, to ultrasounds and the big one – the second cardiac catheter laboratory – we’re keeping more patients in Far North Queensland for their treatment, and that’s what the cycling and fundraising in this event are all about,” Mrs Hogan said.
“The continued support of sponsors such as QSuper, means 100 percent of funds raised through the event go towards purchasing state-of-the-art cardiac facilities for these communities.”
The event also unites communities and health care workers in Far North Queensland, who rally together to support the riders over the multi-day ride.
Australian Retirement Trust’s CEO Bern Reilly said the super fund was proud to partner with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation to deliver this event.
