On the road for better health

A group of bike riders recently raised almost $35,000 for health services in Ballarat.

The Velorats cycling team reached the total for Grampians Health Ballarat as part of their ride in this year’s Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay.

Their donation will be used to help purchase a home dialysis vehicle.

The Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay is a 520km ride between Echuca and Port Fairy.

“There’s nothing quite like the Murray to Moyne,” Velorats captain Ross Huntington said.

“Riding over 500 kilometres as a team, through the day and night, really puts into perspective what people in our community are going through.

“You feel the fatigue, the elements and the distance but you also feel the support the whole way along. That’s what sticks with you.

“Knowing every kilometre ridden helps fund something that will directly support patients back home makes it all worthwhile.”

This year the relay was held over 28 and 29 March.

“A dedicated home dialysis vehicle will allow our team to provide more timely and flexible support to patients across a large regional catchment,” Grampians Health Ballarat’s home dialysis nurse unit manager Shaun Finlayson said.

“It means we can deliver training, equipment and urgent assistance when it’s needed, helping patients safely manage their treatment at home.

“That kind of support improves independence and reduces hospital visits whilst making a real difference to quality of life.”

Now in their fourth consecutive year supporting Grampians Health Ballarat, the Velorats have raised almost $200,000 for the health organisation.

Last year, the Velorats’ donation went to a microwave ablation device for Ballarat Base Hospital’s radiology department, providing minimally invasive renal cancer treatment to patients.

This year’s contribution continues the Velorats’ partnership with Rotary Club of Ballarat West in supporting local healthcare.