From March 16 to 22, dozens of cyclists from Brisbane will take part in a 1000-kilometre cycle in and around Adelaide for a good cause.
The Chain Reaction Challenge began in 2007 to raise funds for sick children around the country. This year, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation through The Common Good is involved in this impactful event as a charity partner, with a portion of funds raised supporting sick and injured kids at The Prince Charles Hospital. This important hospital on Brisbane’s northside is home to Queensland’s second busiest paediatric emergency department, with close to 37,000 instances of care provided to children facing a medical emergency in the 2022/23 financial year.
“We are honoured to be involved in this event for the very first time and the opportunity it provides to fund even more equipment for kids who visit The Prince Charles Hospital in their time of need,” said Steve Francia, CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
About the Chain Reaction Challenge 2024
This ride is a premier cycling event over seven days, and participants from Brisbane will ride between 95 km and 157 km per day around scenic South Australia. Most importantly, though, the riders maximise their personal and professional networks and strive to make the most significant difference for charities supporting children.
Nick Barr is the team leader for The Common Good x Limitless team and it’s his 10th time embarking on a Chain Reaction Cycling Challenge ride.
“This year’s ride holds special significance as we strive to raise funds for two incredibly impactful causes – The Common Good (The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation) and the AEIOU Foundation for children with autism,” Nick said.
“Every donation, regardless of size, brings us closer to making a significant difference in the lives of children in need.”
Among the other riders in The Common Good x Limitless team are two dedicated staff members from The Prince Charles Hospital who, through their allied health and clinical roles, know firsthand what’s needed to provide the best care for kids visiting the hospital – Perry Judd, the Director of Allied Health and Dr David Wood, the Clinical Director of the hospital’s children’s emergency department.
“The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, through its initiative The Common Good, provides so much additional support and funding for the hospital and our community. Getting involved in this charity ride for the first time is a really exciting way to help raise even more funds to support the urgent needs of our busy hospital,” said The Prince Charles Hospital’s Director of Allied Health, Perry Judd.
Through this 2024 Challenge, the riders are raising funds for a vital paediatric ultrasound machine.
“Ultrasound is being used increasingly in emergency departments, and they’re obviously expensive pieces of equipment. Currently, we’re using an adult machine, and sometimes it’s already in use. Paediatric ultrasound machines are more efficient as they have the specific probes and attachments need to assess our littlest of patients,” said Dr David Wood.
Chain Reaction Challenge Helping Queensland’s second busiest paediatric ED
The Prince Charles Hospital’s paediatric emergency department has become the state’s second-busiest children’s ED.
In the 2022/23 financial year, close to 37,000 instances of care were provided here to children facing a medical emergency. That number is a sizable jump from a decade ago when presentations were about 20,000 a year.
This significant growth in presentations and demand for these essential children’s services will continue with the flourishing local population.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be part of this event, given that we are facing a huge increase in demand for our services, particularly in paediatrics. In the coming years, we will be undergoing a significant expansion in this hospital – which means that there is a growing need for more equipment, research and programs to support the growing numbers of kids who need our help and care,” said Perry.
“Jumping on my bike to ride over 1000km in seven days is my way of helping to contribute to these needs. By supporting David and myself as riders, you’re supporting the needs of our community and our hospital so we can keep delivering exceptional care for the kids and families who need us most.”
Get Behind The Common Good x Limitless team
Dr David, Perry and the Limitless team are undertaking this physical challenge in the name of sick and injured kids. But they need your donations to make a difference.
You can support Perry’s Chain Reaction Challenge here, or support David’s ride here.
