Cardiac care shifts a gear with funds raised for FNQ
26 September 2024
5
min read
Every Queensland community deserves access to life-saving medical treatment close to home – no matter how remote or rural. For more than 18 years, cyclists from across Far North Queensland communities have come together to help provide care for their loved ones.
This year marked the fifth anniversary of the QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, sponsorship of the Cardiac Challenge – an annual 333-kilometre ride from Cairns to Cooktown to raise vital funds for heart health in Far North Queensland.
To date, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge has raised more than $6 million through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) to deliver better health and life outcomes for cardiac patients across the region.
From cardiac catheter laboratories to cardiology imaging machines, the impact of the event has been felt immensely by regional Queenslanders and their families with stories of hope, recovery, and survival.
This year, more than $310,000 was raised for this cause. We have been supporting the Cardiac Challenge since 2020 and our involvement enables 100% of these funds to go where they’re needed most.
Steep hills, unforgettable people
For the second year, our very own team (pictured above) threw themselves into the challenge.
Membership Education Officer April Smith completed her second QSuper Cardiac Challenge and admitted it was no easier than the first.
“I meet many incredible people on this ride. This is my fourth year being a part of the Cardiac Challenge community, two years as a volunteer and my second as a rider. Those hills don’t get any easier, but what I love about this ride is the people who keep me wanting to come back year on year,” said April.
“There is no fitness level required and everyone has a story to tell and each story illustrates the importance of this challenge and the impact it has on their friends, families and the community.
Crossing the finish line shoulder to shoulder with a teammate after hard hills is really special. Thank you to the FNQHF for yet again another memorable year.”
Team effort for a common goal
Newest QSuper cycling team recruit and Marketing and Communications Specialist, Transitions James Bridie was equally tested but thrilled.
“This was the first ever multi-day ride I’ve been part of, and it was very special – although I knew what to expect from my teammates, I wasn’t prepared for just how challenging this endurance event is,” said James.
“You can’t help but feel proud of your efforts when you see how much it means to the community that you are ‘sweating for’. Every rider wanted to see you succeed, and it was a huge team effort working towards the same goal.”
Communities united for loved ones
As part of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, this year 195 cyclists put rubber to the road, along with 100 volunteers and 38 supporters, all in support of cardiac care in the FNQ region.
Australian Retirement Trust Head of Government and Regions, Patrick Twomey, rode with April and James, and the rest of the team, and felt equally as proud of their efforts and the cause.
“Every year, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge is a glowing example of communities banding together for better healthcare for their loved ones.
“It’s incredibly rewarding for us to see the impact the funds raised for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation have on increasing access to vital health services in some of the most rural and remote communities in the state."
Funds directed to remote regions
Funds raised from this year’s challenge will go towards cardiac outreach for remote parts of Far North Queensland.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation CEO, Gina Hogan, thanked Australian Retirement Trust for our ongoing support.
“ART’s involvement means that all funds raised during the event find their place in hospitals and clinics in the Far North Queensland region,” she said.
“No one wants to spend time in hospital for care and treatment, but by ensuring care is available closer to home means that there are better health outcomes for our communities.”