Hundreds of cyclists will pedal their way through south-east Cape York to Cooktown next month for the 2024 Cardiac Challenge. Photo: Supplied.
Two hundred riders are gearing up for this year’s Cairns to Cooktown cycling fundraiser for cardiac services across Far North Queensland.
Since its inception in 2006, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) QSuper Cardiac Challenge has raised more than $6 million for access to cardiac services in the region.
FNQHF fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said the 2024 fundraising goal was $400,000.
“Once someone commits to take part in the event as a cyclist, everyone commits to fundraise at least $500,” she explained.
“The average over the last few years has been more than $2,000 raised per rider, which is pretty amazing, and some people have raised $20,000 just on their own.”
With riders travelling from all over to take part in the event, fundraising efforts are done in each of their individual communities.
“Trivia nights, barbecues, bake sales – you name it as a fundraiser, they do it,” Ms Duncombe said.
“They also send out information on their social media channels, and people can donate directly to that person’s fundraising efforts.
“One of the great things about the Cardiac Challenge is, because we have so much community support, every cent donated goes where it’s intended; none of the funds that are donated go towards covering any of the admin costs, so it’s a pretty amazing event.”
Aside from the fundraising aspect, she said the challenge also helped to connect people in similar situations, allowing for open conversations about cardiac conditions and challenges.
“It’s such a great sense of family and community, and they catch up with friends who they probably might not have seen since the ride the previous year,” Ms Duncombe said.
“We also have a large contingent of doctors and nurses and health staff who are involved, and they do a presentation at the end of the ride.
“It’s actually incredible, because we have patients who ride and we have clinicians who ride, so it really is a great event that brings the community together.”
The 2024 QSuper Cardiac Challenge will run over three days from 14-16 September.
To donate to the cause, go to www.cardiacchallenge.com.au.
