The Great Wheelbarrow Race 2024 has resulted in purchases for the Mareeba Hospital.
Funds raised by these dedicated teams have resulted in buying two rooming-in cots for the Mareeba Hospital maternity unit through the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation, a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Mareeba Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Unit Manager Danielle Cahill said the rooming-in cots had made a huge difference to the Mareeba maternity unit.
“Now our mothers, especially those who have Caesarean sections, can have their babies in a safe sleeping space beside them,” Ms Cahill said.
“These cots are becoming increasingly popular and are being used weekly. We are very grateful to the Mareeba Friends of the Foundation and Dad’s Army for this wonderful donation."
The total cost of the cots was $5126, and their acquisition has significantly improved the comfort and convenience for new mothers at the hospital.
Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation president Tom Braes said they were extremely proud of Wheelbarrow Race teams who fundraised for the local hospital.
“From the very young to the not-so-young, they have done themselves proud by competing in and completing this grueling event. The funds received from these teams will be put to good use at the hospital with the purchase of equipment that supplements the delivery of medical services and enhances the patient experience,” Mr Braes said.
Not only did the Tune Squad complete this year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race by setting a new men’s category record of 6 hours, 22 minutes, and 28 seconds, they raised $3000.
St Stephen’s Catholic College Saints also made a significant impact, not only by securing first place in the schools' category with a time of 7 hours, 27 minutes, and 10 seconds but also by raising more than $8000 through various fundraisers. Their efforts, which included sausage sizzles, raffles, and a trivia night, surpassed their previous year’s total by $5000. The team, composed mainly of Grade 11 students, found great fulfilment in seeing their fundraising efforts directly benefit the local health facilities.
In the Over 55's category, Dad’s Army continued their winning streak with a time of 15 hours, 8 minutes, and 1 second. Since their inception in 2013, they have remained undefeated in their category. Despite the challenges of keeping a full team of fit participants, their camaraderie and banter have made the event enjoyable year after year. This year, they raised $4000, contributing to the purchase of the new rooming-in cots.
Dad’s Army spokesman Graham Morrows said there was a great sense of camaraderie during the three days of the event.
“We run in the "Over 55's" category and have won that category every year we entered. Probably because no one else is silly enough to put a team together to run against us.
“Our oldest runner was 86 this year and he is one of the originals still in the team. The youngest was 57 this year. We are a mix of all three military services, so there is always banter between them.
“The Mareeba Hospital is a very important institution for the town with its treatment of the sick and injured and assistance with all the hatches and dispatches. There is always some sort of equipment they need to help with their very vital work, so we are happy to help provide some of the funding for that equipment.”
Photo: High school students Henry Bremmer and Harley Cek, Gary Morgan, Peter Gerdes, Graham Morrow, Celestial Lockhart, Mareeba Friends of the Foundation’s Gladys France, John Stirrup, Ron Philp, Ivan Sayed and Jim Ingram.
Images below: Courtesy of Mareeba Shire Council
