ONE rides his bike every day, the other rides his bike once a year but two QSuper Cardiac Challenge participants have been recognised for their contribution to the event’s success.
Long-time rider Tony Nastasi has been commended for raising $25,705 for this year’s event, and the Annie’s Army team represented by Nick Lyngcoln, raised $26,178.
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, this year’s QSuper Cardiac Challenge was the 17th time cyclists have saddled up to ride to Cooktown in support of cardiac services.
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe paid tribute to both – Mr Nastasi has participated every year since inception and has now raised $88,686.
“This year the combined result was $397,560 raised which is an average of $2208 per rider – an excellent result. It’s not a record, but it’s still incredible fundraising and shows how passionate our community is about what we do and what this event achieves,” Ms Duncombe said.
This was the sixth year of the Annie’s Army participation and Mr Lyngcoln was excited that the team has now raised more than $100,000 for the cause in that time.
Mr Nastasi said he wasn’t motivated to be the highest fundraiser – his motivation was to encourage others to do more and better. “I’ve taken part every year in one way or another. I had an unfortunate incident one year with a golf ball which meant I couldn’t ride so I volunteered. Another year I had an unfortunate incident with a kangaroo which ended up in a broken collar bone, but I still drove an escort vehicle. I just think the Foundation does so much for all of us, that it’s up to all of us to do our bit,” Mr Nastasi said.
Mr Lyngcoln said the Annie’s Army journey was a tribute not only to the brothers’ mother’s legacy but also a testament to the incredible Cairns community.
“What began between a couple of brothers has now blossomed into the Annie’s Army family, comprising over 20 dedicated team members year after year,” Mr Lyngcoln said.
“With more than five events this year from all team members, the movement is only just getting started. Our loyal sponsors, long lunchers, venue host and Allstars are the real MVPs in my eyes,” he said.
The partnership with QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, enables 100 percent of funds raised in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge to support the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment in the region.
Australian Retirement Trust Chief Executive Officer Bernard Reilly said, “Australian Retirement Trust is passionate about supporting our members and the community, including in rural and remote areas where we have a strong heritage.”
“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 these communities,” Mr Reilly said.
“The QSuper Cardiac Challenge is a great example of the community coming together to improve the outcomes of those in the region. This year is also special for Australian Retirement Trust, as we had a team participating for the first time,” he said.
Australian Retirement Trust, through the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, supports the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s passion for providing quality healthcare to regions that would otherwise need to travel hundreds of kilometres to receive life-saving care.
About Australian Retirement Trust
Australian Retirement Trust is one of Australia’s largest super funds. 2.3 million Australians trust us to take care of over $260 billion of their retirement savings. We’re here to help our members retire well with confidence, focused on strong long-term investment returns, low fees and the information and access to advice our members need to manage their super and retirement.
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