Health workers get ready to ride

A TEAM of Grampians Health workers are preparing to cycle more than five hundred kilometres this April to raise money for the local medical service.

Staff from Grampians Health’s Ballarat and Edenhope sites are coming together to take part in the Murray to Moyne cycle relay to raise funds for their respective branches of the organisation.

Sarah Masters, head of fundraising and engagement at Grampians Health Ballarat, is participating in the relay for the first time.

“I’ve always been a keen cyclist, and I thought this could be a great way for the different Grampians Health campuses to come together,” she said.

“This year we are raising funds to establish a WardRobe which will provide new and appropriate clothing to patients in need.

“They may have arrived at the hospital due to an accident and their clothing may have been cut off.

“In other cases, people who are admitted due to drug and alcohol issues or a mental health crisis typically don’t have personal items with them.”

Sara McDonnell, captain of the Edenhope team, has participated in the relay ride at least eight times.

“My first Murray to Moyne was actually when I was at boarding school in Ballarat nearly 30 years  ago, but even back then I rode in the Edenhope team,” she said.

“One of our team members, Sharkey, has ridden every year for the past 21 years. He’s incredible and is a wealth of knowledge about the event.

“This year, our team members are fundraising to purchase a trio bike for our aged care residents and older community members.

“Once we purchase the bike, we’ll be able to have volunteers take these older people out for some fun bike rides as well.”

Grampians Health was formed in 2021, with one of the key decisions made after the merger being to ensure fundraising and donations were directed towards community projects as directed by the local health services.