A history of the ride
Following cardiac surgery in 2003 for a congenital hole in the heart and being cycling obsessed, Peter McNally wanted to be able to do something for others who experience cardiac problems. The concept of riding from Cairns to Cooktown to fundraise for cardiac services for Far North Queensland evolved but has now developed further to incorporate regular social group rides as well as supporting other awareness rides and fundraising events. We endorse the Main Roads and Department of Transport “Share the Road” campaign.
All fundraising from this bike ride will remain in the Cairns area.
Ultra machine
The beneficiary of the bike ride is the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation who specifically direct the funds towards cardiac equipment and services that may ultimately benefit you or a family member or someone you know.
The Ride to date
|
Year
|
Riders
|
Funds raised
|
|
2007
|
125
|
$115,000
|
|
2008
|
130
|
$102,000
|
|
2009
|
174
|
$204,000
|
|
2010
|
255
|
$300,000
|
2007 presentation
The 2007 and 2009 Cardiac Challenges purchased two state of the art cardiac echocardiography machines. Echocardiography is a non-invasive cardiac investigation that provides valuable information about the heart's structures and blood flow. The information gained from the echocardiogram allows our doctors to make accurate diagnoses and develop treatment plans that are best for our patients. Up to 100 Cairns & District patients per week are still benefiting from these vital diagnostic tools.
In 2008, we appreciated the purchase of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump CS300 Datascope (IABP). The IABP is used when there is an acutely unwell patient who requires cardiac pump support post myocardial infarctions, post angiography, post angioplasty or whilst awaiting transplant. Now that Cairns Base Hospital is performing angioplasty as well as angiography, this has become an invaluable machine for Cairns cardiac patients.
Cardiac unit at Cairns Base Hospital
We are now excited to be planning the commencement of a new cardiac chest pain clinic for Cairns Base Hospital using the funds from the 2010 Cardiac Challenge. The clinic we are proposing will reduce waiting times of patients with chest pain and process them faster and thus reduce waiting times to be seen by a Cardiologist. We are looking forward to this new clinic being opened to patients from mid-2011.
Dr Prasad Challa
Director of Cardiology
Cairns Base Hospital