Release date: 22/02/2011
Young Australian of the Year Jessica Watson will greet more than 200 cyclists as they sweep into The Prince Charles Hospital for the Cycle of Giving this Saturday.
Event organiser Mary Long said Jessica will farewell the first group of cyclists, including her father Roger, Australian cyclist Lorian Graham, the Vintage Reds and Olympic swimmer Duncan Armstrong, from Landsborough at 6.30am. “The core group will start from Landsborough and we’ll pick up riders at Caboolture and Bray Park before meeting up with transplant recipients in Chermside West for the final leg to the hospital,” Mary said. “The Prince Charles Hospital is on a rise, so it’s quite impressive seeing a huge group of cyclists coming up the hill of the main drive, lead by transplant recipients.” Known by participants as the Queen of Hearts, Mary has been organising the event since 2006 to thank the transplant team at The Prince Charles Hospital and donor families who give people like her husband Mal a second chance. Sadly, Mal passed away in 2007, but Mary is passionate about promoting organ and tissue donation. “After Mal’s heart transplant in 2004, we wanted to do something to tell people about the real difference you can make by registering as an organ or tissue donor,” Mary said. “We started the Cycle of Giving ride and it’s grown to be a fantastic annual event. Last year we had more than 200 cyclists participate, plus more people who came for the activities at the hospital. “This year, thanks to funding support, I’ve been able to create calendars to help promote organ and tissue donation all year round. These will be available at The Prince Charles Hospital on the day.” For those not participating in the cycle, come and try activities at the hospital start at 8am, including a duathlon (run and swim), petanque, children’s activities, and new this year Scrabble and Sudoku competitions. Musical entertainment is provided by the Irish Pipe Band. The cyclists are expected to arrive at the hospital between 9.45 and 10am. To register for the Cycle of Giving, go to www.cycleofgiving.com.au. Information about becoming an organ and tissue donor is available at www.donatelife.gov.au This event has received funding from the Australian Organ and Tissue Authority as part of DonateLife Week and in-kind support from The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. For information visit www.tpchfoundation.org.au The Prince Charles Hospital is one of only four heart and lung transplant centres in Australia and the only hospital to perform triple organ heart-lung-liver transplants. Download the media release (pdf)
Media contacts: Christine Atkinson, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation ph (07) 3139 6350