A LEGEND of rugby league is throwing his weight behind an innovative new aspect to the QSuper Cardiac Challenge.
Sam Backo, who is lucky to be alive after a massive heart attack while undergoing unrelated orthopaedic surgery, has joined the Brothers Leagues Club team in promoting their unique involvement in the event.
Staff and members of the Club’s football team will get on the bikes in the club foyer during the three days of the event, hopefully encouraging donations from sponsors and club visitors.
Club General Manager Jason Salecich said they were inspired to take part because of Sam and many other community members who have needed the services of the Cairns Hospital cardiac unit.
“The Cardiac Challenge is doing amazing things in providing critical services for our entire Far North community. We are busy and may not be able to get away to do the ride in person this year, so what better way to engage my team and support this amazing cause by completing the same distance from right here in the foyer of the club,” Mr Salecich said.
“It is an unfortunate fact of life that many of us will need these critical services in our lifetime and I am very proud of this club and their efforts to support wherever we can. I look forward to it – I’m not sure if my bum is looking forward to it as much,” he laughed.
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge is the 18th time cyclists have saddled up to ride to Cooktown in support of cardiac services. Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said it was an unfortunate fact of life that many in the community had undergone cardiac issues as Sam Backo had.
“But the great thing is that many like him turn a medical incident like that into such a positive and start fundraising for our incredible cardiac department,” Ms Duncombe said.
Since the first ride in 2007, more than $6 million has been raised to support rural hospitals and improve the quality of care they offer to patients in the region.
Patrick Twomey, Head of Regions and Operations at QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, said that the QSuper Cardiac Challenge is an incredible testament to how a committed community can make a tangible impact on the health outcomes of their region.
“It is a great privilege to support regions like Cairns and give back to the health care wards that have supported countless patients through some of their most challenging circumstances,” he said.
“The camaraderie forged between patients, their supporters, and health care workers like Ruby and Peyton is unlike any other cycling event in Australia. We look forward to seeing the community’s passion continue to be the driving force of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge for years to come.”
The QSuper Cardiac Challenge will run from September 14-16. To find out more about the challenge visit https://cardiacchallenge.com.au/.
Support the Brothers team HERE.
Photo: NRL Legend Sam Backo with Brothers Rugby League A Grade Captain/Coach Jordan Biondi-Odo.
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