Queensland firefighters pedalled through rain, wind and injuries to raise an incredible $104,699 for young burns patients in the 20th anniversary Bike 4 Burns charity ride.
Every day, brave men and women risk their lives to protect our communities. From 12 May to 18 May, a group of heroes swapped their fire trucks for bikes to support the young patients facing their own toughest battles.
Though the ride was far from easy, every kilometre was driven by a shared purpose to raise funds for Children’s Hospital Foundation and deliver vital research, equipment and care needed for children with burns and their families at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
The 800km journey began in Bundaberg in the early hours of the morning, and ended at Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, where riders received a ceremonial welcome from family, supporters and hospital and Foundation staff.
20 years of impact
Over the last 20 years, Bike 4 Burns has raised over $1.2 million for children living with burns.
Combined with the backing of the wider community, Bike 4 Burns has helped Children’s Hospital Foundation fund research and equipment that has completely changed the paediatric burns treatment landscape.
From improved wound dressings and specialised equipment to Clown Doctor visits that support children’s emotional wellbeing during treatment, this funding helps transform both the clinical and emotional experience of paediatric burns care.
Funding also extends to Camp Oz – a place for kids with burns to connect, create memories and experiences outside of their comfort zone and understand that their burns do not define them.
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Lyndsey Rice, said the commitment of the Bike 4 Burns community has helped shape a new standard of care for children living with burn injuries.
“What the Bike 4 Burns community has built and achieved over the past two decades is remarkable,” shared Ms Rice.
“Their ongoing commitment has helped drive important advancements in burns treatment, while also supporting the wellbeing of children and families throughout their recovery.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort and dedication the Bike 4 Burns committee brings to this event year after year.”
Going the distance for young patients
Last year, more than 1,150 children were treated at Queensland Children’s Hospital for burns injuries.
For these children and their families, this is just the beginning of a long, emotional road to recovery.
One of these children is Charlie, who spent 39 days in hospital after sustaining full-thickness burns to 36% of his body in a deep fryer accident at just 11 months old.
This year, his mum, Sam, joined the Bike 4 Burns riders to show her appreciation for the care the initiative made possible for Charlie’s recovery and give back to Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The bravery of Bike 4 Burns riders goes beyond their day jobs – it’s the commitment to endure a challenging journey to help reshape recovery for children navigating one of their own.
With your support, we can continue making groundbreaking advancements in burns research and care. To help, make a donation today.
You can make the sickest kids get better, sooner.
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.
