Over 28 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services front-line workers and volunteers have been welcomed home after a 705-kilometre charity ride across the state.
Across a gruelling seven-day journey from Gladstone to Brisbane, Bike 4 Burns returned for its 17th year to raise vital funds for kids with burns.
This year, the dedicated riders and support crew raised an incredible $77,657 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation to help researchers and clinicians find less painful and more effective treatments for childhood burns and scar management.
“We are incredibly thankful for the support of the Bike 4 Burns community over the last 17 years. Their fundraising and cycling efforts are no small feat, and have supported breakthroughs, new therapies and revolutionary treatments for kids with burns injuries.”
– Lyndsey Rice, Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO
Since its inception in 2006, Bike 4 Burns has raised over $950,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation to help change the way kids are treated for burns injuries, just like eight-year-old Charlie.
Just before his first birthday, Charlie pulled a deep fryer off the kitchen bench – the hot oil causing full thickness burns to 36 percent of his body.
He spent 39 days in hospital undergoing 11 operations for skin grafting and painful dressing changes and physiotherapy, occupational therapy, scar management, garment fitting and intense pain management.
Even years on from the accident, he still endures injections and regular therapy to help stretch and reduce the thickness of his scars.
Thanks to the support of the Bike 4 Burns community, kids with burns like Charlie have access to the best possible care and treatment.
And while the official ride may over for the year, two Bike 4 Burns riders – Beau Hanlon and Quinn Cramer – are taking on one last push and physical challenge.
Beau and Quinn will (virtually) ride the height of the summit of Mount Everest or 8,848 metres from their homes on Friday 14 July, with the aim to raise even more funds and awareness for kids with burns.
You can watch the ride live and cheer them on here.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
