From wedding to cycling bells in the name of cardiac care
01 August 2023
5
min read
Last year newlyweds Suzanne Rath and her husband Ian (pictured) made QSuper Cardiac Challenge history when they completed the 333-kilometre charity bike ride in lieu of their honeymoon.
Tying the knot just five days before embarking on the journey from Cairns to Cooktown, Suzanne was determined to contribute to the regional healthcare of the community she has grown to love ─ even if it meant postponing a more traditional honeymoon.
“The QSuper Cardiac Challenge was the first thing that we did together as a married couple,” Suzanne said.
“We only moved to Cairns about six years ago, but we were quickly welcomed into the community. We know how important healthcare is up here and are proud to participate in the event that tackles its access head-on.”
One of the biggest drivers, which saw the metropolitan couple move to Cairns, was the passion they shared for making a difference in rural communities: Suzanne through her physiotherapy clinic, and Ian as a school teacher.
The incident that started it all
For Suzanne, the 2022 QSuper Cardiac Challenge marked more than a honeymoon, but a significant milestone in her personal health recovery.
After being hit by a car while riding home from work in 2013, Suzanne received immediate care for multiple fractures to her jaw and a concussion. When she physically recovered some months later, she was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, which affected her ability to work, function and enjoy life.
The challenge was one of the reasons I got back on the bike. Despite the apprehension I had – and the fear I felt a kilometre out from an intersection – the cause outweighed it all,” Suzanne said.
“Ian was a huge support in me participating and completing the challenge, and is one of the reasons I am excited to ride again this year.”
The team from Suzanne’s private practice also volunteers during the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, offering physiotherapy services for the cost of a donation.
“We do this because we share the vision of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation that people in our region shouldn't have to travel to Brisbane for quality healthcare services,” Suzanne said.
Every little bit counts
Every year, the partnership with Australian Retirement Trust, enables 100% of the funds raised during the challenge to go back into the Far North Hospital Foundation. In 2023, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge funds will go towards the purchase of cutting-edge cardiac monitoring equipment for the Cairns Intensive Care Unit, which provides critical care services to the entire Far North Queensland region, including a significant number of First Nations people.
Australian Retirement Trust CEO Bernard Reilly said that the QSuper Cardiac Challenge was an example of community coming together to enhance the lives of Queenslanders through improved access to healthcare.
'“We are passionate about supporting our members and the community, including in rural and remote areas where we have a strong heritage,” Mr Reilly said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding for us to see the real impact the funds raised for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation have on improving access to vital health services in these communities.
“This year is also special for Australian Retirement Trust as we have a team participating for the first time, and we look forward to cheering them and all of the other participants on.”
Since the first ride in 2007, more than $5 million has been raised to improve the lives and healthcare options of Far North Queenslanders.