Cairns Hospital’s Cardiac Maniacs cycling team plans to ride the 333 kilometres from Cairns to Cooktown in September as part of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge.
An annual event, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge attracts participants from all walks of life — from friends and family members who have lost someone to those who’ve experienced cardiac complications themselves.
One of the riders, consultant cardiologist, Steve Sutcliffe said the ride would be his 12th year cycling to raise much-needed funds for his department. He also plans to in in the New York Marathon.
“I realised it was time to practice what I preached to my patients, and to take ownership over my own physical and cardiac health,” Dr Sutcliffe said.
Despite being one of the oldest members of the Cardiac Maniacs, he consistently gives his younger peers a run for their money.
“I am always proud to participate in the ride. Not only for my department and patients, but for the inspiring individuals I meet every year,” he said.
“It is always an event that is close to my heart because it is hundreds of people riding for our department, for their families or themselves,” Dr Sutcliffe said.
“Every dollar raised comes directly to the hospital to benefit the patients through a new electrophysiology service, or cath lab, or echo machine.”
Since 2009, Dr Sutcliffe has consistently participated in the Challenge, the exception being one year where he volunteered as a motorcycle medic while recovering from an injury.
The QSuper Cardiac Challenge will run from 17 to 19 September.
More information can be accessed on the QSuper website at this PS News link.
