Cycling effort aids renal cancer treatment

CYCLING team The Velorats have raised $43,500 for Grampians Health via the Ballarat Health Services Foundation.

The money will be used to purchase a Microwave Ablation device.

This device, which is a first for Ballarat Base Hospital, provides a new minimally invasive procedure to treat renal cancer.

Captain of the Velorats, Ross Huntington, lead the group to the Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay.

“The Murray to Moyne is an institution for recreational cyclists in Victoria,” he said.

“It’s been going for 30 years and has raised over $20,000,000 for hospitals and health-related charities in Victoria.

“I’ve been involved in about 20 Murray to Moyne events, and every year we have a brilliant time, knowing we are cycling with our mates through the beautiful Victorian countryside, while also raising money to benefit our local hospital at home.”

Luke Dunne, a member of The Velorats, said the community can play an incredible role in changing

the way healthcare is provided in Ballarat.

“Our fundraising success really demonstrates the power of community,” he said.

“We are just a dozen or so cyclists, but behind us is a huge network of families, friends, sponsors, supporters and donors helping us to create positive change.

“In this case a game changer for regional cancer treatment.”

Ben Kelly, Chief Operations Officer at Grampians Health, thanked the Velorats for their support.

“At Grampians Health, we are constantly trying to improve the care our patients receive,” said Mr Kelly.

“This project to bring Microwave Ablation technology to Ballarat Base Hospital to treat renal cancer has been spearheaded by Dr Scott Robson and Bronwyn Bentley of our Radiology team.

“The technology is already in use at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

“In the future, we plan on extending this new treatment to other forms of cancer.

“As a public health service, we don’t always have the ability to purchase new technologies.

“The Velorats donation means we can provide a treatment that is minimally invasive, with markedly reduced pain, reduced risks in rates of complications and is significantly quicker – reducing treatment time from up to 60 minutes, down to four to eight minutes.

“The other very significant benefit to the health service is a reduction in the cost, with savings of nearly $20,000 per treatment.”

The success of the Velorats is aided by the community support they receive. Each member of the Velorats is officially sponsored by a local business.

The team received over 200 donations by generous family, friends and supporters.