The inaugural ride in August 2006 was a huge success with twenty cyclists and their support crew riding between Brisbane and Sydney. With some great sponsors on board and Virgin Blue as the main sponsor, Sir Richard Branson personally supported the ride by signing decals that were on each of the Virgin Blue-designed bikes. Over the past four years the 1200kmsforkids Charity Bike Ride has raised an amazing $440,000 for two hospitals.
This year, up to 30 riders and their support crew will volunteer their time and legs to raise a whopping $150,00 for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane. For the first time, they'll also have the choice of riding either from Brisbane to Sydney (12-19 October) or Melbourne to Sydney (1-5 October).
The Melbourne to Sydney ride was conceived whilst Wayne Miller and Ryan Lewis were training together to compete in the Annual Byron Bay 2011 Triathlon. Ryan and Wayne were looking for a way to combine their passion for cycling and athletic challenges with their desire to give back to their community and fundraise for a cause that they strongly connect with. Wayne took part in the 1200kmsforkids charity ride from Sydney to Brisbane last year and states that 'the satisfaction one gets from cycling for a cause and seeing the children the funds raised assists, is unbeatable and makes every minute of the gruelling cycle challenge worth it.'
Ryan's younger sister was recently diagnosed with Thyroid cancer with no family history of cancer at all.The surgery, treatment and management of her diagnosis was immediate, effective and relatively side effect free. Whilst this scenario pales in significance when compared to some of the seriously ill children at hospitals around Sydney, it highlighted to Ryan and his family,the importance and great need of giving back to the hospitals and foundations that can continue to provide these vital services and alleviate the suffering of ill children and young people.
Wayne and Ryan, (together with their team of cyclists and supporters) look forward to the challenge that lies ahead of them and meeting their target goal of cycling from Melbourne to their home city of Sydney, whilst raising funds, awareness and support for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation and Humpty Dumpty Foundation. The team are going to actively rally support from their community and urge their family, friends and colleagues to support this special fundraiser and help make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation is very appreciative to be a co-beneficiary of the 1200kms for Kids 2010 Charity Bike Ride.
Each year, the Royal Children's Hospital cares for more than 30,000 children from all over Queensland, northern New South Wales and beyond. Through the support of community groups like 1200kms for Kids, the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation works wonders for sick kids by investing in groundbreaking medical research at the Royal Children's Hospital.
Funds raised from the 2006 and 2008 1200kms for Kids Charity Bike Rides were utilised by the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund groundbreaking medical research projects, to find faster diagnoses, better treatments and ultimately cures for childhood illnesses.
In 2009, the money raised through 1200kms for Kids went specifically towards funding respiratory research. Every year, more than 500 children are admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital for respiratory related illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis, asthma, chronic and recurrent bronchitis, and persistent cough in children.
In 2010, money raised through the ride will once again support respiratory research, in particular Cystic Fibrosis research at the Royal Children's Hospital. One in 2500 Australian infants will be born with Cystic Fibrosis each year. Research being conducted at the Royal Children’s Hospital is aiming to extend and improve the quality of life for kids living with Cystic Fibrosis.
We wish the riders a successful six day 1200km journey, all the best for reaching their target of raising $300,000 and thank them for helping us to work wonders for sick kids at the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane.
- Humpty Dumpty Foundation
In 2011 the Humpty Dumpty Foundation will join the 1200kms for kids charity bike ride as one of its new charity partners. Alongside the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane we will be supporting the riders on there journey from Brisbane to Sydney in October this year. It is a great event and one that I hope people get on board and support all those individuals doing the ride. By either donating much needed funds or if you see them along the way give them a cheer and your support.
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation has been providing support for children's services since 1996. Humpty buys essential and often life-saving medical equipment for Neonatal Units (newborn care) and Paediatric Wards (toddlers and children to 16 years) in hospitals and health service centres across the country. It also provides funding for special 'kids' projects including the magical Fairy Gardens (which encourage healing), paediatric fellowships (for graduate doctor training) and weekly visits by the "Clown Doctors".
Over the years, Humpty's corporate and community support has grown and the foundation now provides equipment to more than 150 hospitals around Australia and two children's hospitals in East Timor.
In the last five years alone, Humpty has bought more than 1,000 pieces of medical equipment, that have helped save the lives of sick and injured children and newborn babies.
