News
Murray to Moyne’s CRANKS & Defibrillators exceed all expectations…..
30th April, 2009
East Grampians Health Service's CRANKS and Defibrillators have exceeded all expectations with their fundraising for this year's Murray to Moyne Cycling Relay raising over $16,000.
This will go towards the purchase of new updated Syringe Drivers across a number of areas of the health service, including Acute, Aged Care, District Nursing and Palliative Care. Syringe Drivers are small, portable battery driven infusion pumps used to give pain and nausea relief over a period of time.
Though the CRANKS and the Defibrillators took a much quieter approach to their fundraising this year all were amazed at the continuing community generosity shown by businesses, organizations and individuals.
The two teams including a number of staff from the health service had over the weeks leading up to the cycling relay trained enthusiastically and were physically well prepared for the 525km event. Starting off from Swan Hill on Saturday 4th April, the teams adapted well to the conditions on the first day. Following an overnight stay at Wannon via Hamilton riders certainly encountered very different conditions on the Sunday with rain and wind on their 90 kms journey through to Port Fairy.
Like many other riders from participating teams from right across Victoria, the finish line was a welcoming sight as they rode through the main streets of Port Fairy, and then were presented with their participation medallions.
The CRANKS and Defibrillator participants this year included Shaun Blackie, Graeme Foster, David Holcombe, Les Connarty, Kregan Connarty, Brad Kerr, Ian Hastwell, Drew Gray, Wayne Klauss, Alan Young, Charlie Reid, Trish Connarty, Nicki Blackie, Kerry Sturmfels, Sharon Spalding, Wendy Bahl, Kirby James and Leonie MacDonald.
The Support Team, who worked tirelessly over the two days included Graham Bull, Les Ralph, Owen Leggett, Stuart Kerr, Nicole Leggett and Linda Kerr.
East Grampians Health Service staff member and first up rider Alan Young said: "This was a great experience, and as a new rider just being involved with the training beforehand, and then participating with fellow riders, some who had done the relay previously was a test in itself. I really enjoyed the opportunity, and it was a great feeling when we all arrived into Port Fairy together. It was a great way to promote East Grampians Health Service and the Ararat region.
In addition the fundraising response was just so generous and shows the support the health service has from the community. Overall it was memorable experience to be involved."
