Our team get their hearts racing for Cardiac Challenge
06 June 2023
5
min read
Riding shoulder to shoulder with the participants in this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge will be the inaugural QSuper team, with six of our cycling enthusiasts ready to put rubber to the road in support of cardiac care.
The annual QSuper Cardiac Challenge attracts participants from all walks of life ─ from friends riding in memory of loved ones to those who’ve experienced cardiac complications themselves.
As the major partner and long-time supporter of the event, we’re proud to this year see team members from across Australian Retirement Trust join hundreds of riders in the 333-kilometre ride from Cairns to Cooktown this September.
Members of the QTeam get into training for the Cardiac Challenge: (From left) Matthew Millwater, Sam Wiseman, Michael Huskisson and April Smith.
Meet our team:
David Brook, Senior Manager Products Superannuation
No stranger to the Cairns humidity, David is returning to his hometown to participate in his first QSuper Cardiac Challenge.
With his father having participated in the challenge dozens of times, David is looking forward to supporting the region he once called home.
The reason why I’m doing this, and everyone is doing this, is ultimately getting involved in the community,” he said.
“When I told Dad I was finally doing the Challenge, he was pumped at the idea that I would be doing it with him. I haven’t ridden with him in years.
“I did a ride once in Cairns with him, where we finished along the beach. I haven’t been as far north as Cooktown, so this will be a new experience for me.”
April Smith, Member Education Officer
Returning to the region for her third challenge, April’s participation will look a little different this year. Previously supporting the event through her role as a Member Education Officer, April’s choice to ‘saddle up’ in 2023 is founded on the mateship, commitment, and selflessness that she observed in the riders she met at the rests in past events.
“One of the nights last year I was feeling particularly inspired. In that moment I said I was going to sign up and finish the challenge," she said.
The last time I cycled was probably more than two decades ago to and from school.”
“There are definitely some cycling enthusiasts among the team. I would say with 100% confidence that I have the furthest to go to prepare myself for this challenge."
“I might be on the back bench, but that’s okay. I just need to get from point A to B and finish the race. It’s going to be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but I’m going to be very proud at the end of this challenge coming over the finish line.”
Sam Wiseman, Senior Manager of Regions
Observing our support and involvement as the major partner of the event in years past, Sam has come to understand the significance of the ride for Far North Queensland communities and was one of the key advocates for a us entering a team in 2023.
“As the major partner, it is important that we have a solid team to compete in the event,” he said.
“I consider myself a fairly active person, so when the opportunity to physically take part in the Cardiac Challenge came about, I thought it would be great to be a part of ─ something to work toward, push myself for, with the added bonus of raising funds for a great cause.
I’m definitely a commute rider. I enjoy riding, but don’t usually spend my weekends riding recreationally. I need a reason or a goal that encourages me to ride.”
“Speaking with a number of people about this challenge, it doesn’t feel as daunting. I really am just looking forward to getting amongst it and finishing alongside my teammates.”
Matthew Millwater, Manager of Corporate Relationships
Having participated previously in a 200-kilometre charity bike ride, Matthew is keen to re-create the experience and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for his children. He started this mission with his recent use of his ART birthday leave to ride a 300-odd kilometre round trip to have breakfast in Noosa.
I know it sounds funny, but it was a great challenge and way to spend my birthday,” he said.
“I started riding just before my kids arrived about 10 years ago. I find that it’s a good balance between mental health and physical fitness.
“As a father, it’s good for me to be active to set an example for my kids, but also to be fit enough to be active with them.
“I think a lot of the things that come out of these types of events are the stories you build throughout, so it will be great to celebrate and share these stories with the team.”
Patrick Twomey, Head of Regions and Operations
No one can attest to the team bonding possibilities more than Patrick, who rode alongside Matthew a couple years ago in the 200-kilometre charity ride.
“There were certain parts of that ride where Matt, who is the stronger rider, would have his hand on my back physically supporting me up the hill,” he said.
“Events like this are a great way to build really strong connections, especially with my colleagues — a 330-kilometre bike ride over three days is the equivalent of getting about 50 coffees with a person.
I think it’s important to show support for our community, and if that means getting on the bike to walk the talk, then I am more than happy to get involved. ”
“My last ride was my longest distance, and I certainly learnt a lot which I plan to apply in preparation for this event.
“There’s a lot of self-doubt about finishing the ride ─ it is a mental game as well as physical ─ so I anticipate a huge sense of relief after crossing the finish line because we will know that we’ve made it as a team.”
Michael Huskisson, Regional Manager
In Michael’s pursuit to ‘fill his cup’, he makes the effort to do physical activities with his young family. Part of this is family rides on the weekend along his local creek.
“I truly believe that exercising is the best thing you’ll ever do for your heart,” he said.
“Australians often start to talk about retirement at 65-67, and how it is tied to the money you have set aside for it. But if you haven’t maintained your health, you can’t really enjoy your retirement.
“A lot of companies like ART talk about balance and being able to go into the garden for an hour, mow your lawn, do something outside from your desk.
Getting up and participating in the Cardiac Challenge, I am working on filling my cup and giving back to the regions who rely on the work Australian Retirement Trust does. ”
Funds help provide life-saving care
Our partnership and support of the event enables 100% of funds raised to go directly into healthcare facilities in Far North Queensland.
From the purchase of life-saving medical equipment, the challenge organisers, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, are providing rural and remote communities with access to life saving care in the region.
Learn more
The QSuper Cardiac Challenge team have commenced their training ahead of the three-day ride taking place 16-18 September, and we wish them all the best on their journey. To find out how you can support them on their ride, visit: Super QCrew Team Fundraising Page