The Bike 4 Burns charity ride has once again showcased the extraordinary efforts of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services frontline workers and volunteers.
In 2024, the Bike 4 Burns charity ride was extra special as the community celebrated a monumental milestone – raising more than $1 million for children with burns injuries since the ride started over 18 years ago.
A journey of heart
Every week in Queensland, nearly two children under the age of four are hospitalised due to burns.
This year, more than 27 Queensland Fire and Emergency workers and volunteers took part in the Bike 4 Burns ride, cycling to raise critical funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and change little Queensland lives.
Covering an impressive 640 kilometres, the “Around the Rim Tour” took riders on a seven-day journey from Southport to Brisbane. Passing through picturesque locations such as Boonah, Gatton, Toogoolawah, Kenilworth, Caloundra, Caboolture, and ending in Kedron.
Transforming care for young burns patients
In the past year, Queensland Children’s Hospital has treated more than 1,700 children for burns injuries – 260 of these children needed surgery.
Our 18-year journey with Bike4Burns has funded advancements in care such as:
- CO2 Fractional Laser – a ground breaking piece of equipment that offers around 130 Queensland kids each year a better quality of life by significantly improving scarring and functional mobility
- Deadly Scars Burns Camp – a camp designed to support recovery beyond hospital walls, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with burns injuries can recover both physically and emotionally from their experiences surrounded by kids with similar experiences
- Camp Oz – a three-day outdoor adventure camp for young people aged 8 – 16 who have suffered burn injuries, helping kids adjust to life after a burn injury through fostering self-esteem and confidence
- Burns Dressings – funded research by PhD student’s at the Centre for Children’s Burns and Trauma Research that has changed practice in Queensland by identifying dressings that reduce pain and promote faster healing.
A milestone achievement
Since the beginning, Bike4Burns has been a beacon of hope and support, changing the outcome for countless children in Queensland with burns injuries.
Kids just like Charlie.
Just before his first birthday, Charlie suffered severe burns when he accidentally pulled a deep fryer off the kitchen bench.
Charlie received full-thickness burns to 36% of his body and spent a total of 39 days in the Queensland Children’s Hospital, undergoing numerous operations, painful dressing changes, and intensive therapy.
Funds raised by the Bike 4 Burns community have allowed researchers and clinicians to develop revolutionary new treatments, ensuring kids like Charlie have access to the best possible care and treatment.
Year after year, the Bike 4 Burns ride grows stronger and continues to provide crucial support for young burns patients at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Together, we can be the difference kids with burns deserve.
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.
