Cardiac challenge: riders and healthcare workers raise over $420,000
04 October 2022
5
min read
More than 215 cyclists pedalled an extraordinary 333 kilometres from Cairns to Cooktown to raise money for this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge.
Over the past 16 years the Cardiac Challenge has raised more than $5 million to purchase vital cardiac care facilities for regional hospitals across the Far North Queensland community.
This year, riders – including consultant cardiologist, Dr Steve Sutcliffe and the Cairns Hospital “Cardiac Maniacs” team – raised over $420,000 to purchase vital equipment including a bronchoscopy simulator for training purposes and a nasendoscope to help asthmatic patients. Among the Cardiac Maniacs were (above from left) Jack Taylor, Tara Whykes and Meg Taylor.
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.
Better access to advanced cardiac care
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 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,” she said.
Backed by QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust
Australian Retirement Trust is the superannuation fund formed through the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper. We’re proud to take care of over $200 billion in retirement savings for more than two million members.
We began our journey with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation in 2020 as the major partner of the Cardiac Challenge.
Our continued support means that 100 percent of funds raised through the event go towards purchasing state-of-the-art cardiac facilities for these communities.
There are a significant number of QSuper account holders in Far North Queensland many of whom who work in healthcare.
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.
Helping an important cause
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.
As one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, it’s incredibly rewarding for us to support the QSuper Cardiac Challenge and help raise funds for such an important cause for Queenslanders,” Mr Reilly said
Find out more
The QSuper Cardiac Challenge ran from 17-19 September, 2022. To learn more about the event and how to donate visit cardiacchallenge.com.au
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