Challenge raises vital funds for children’s hospitals

HUNDREDS of competitors have helped raised vital funds to purchase new hospital equipment after a gruelling Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge.

Four-person teams completed physical tests including a 130kg truck tyre flip and obstacle course challenges at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah.

The event was held for the fifteenth time and is a major fundraiser for the Our Kids charity.

Funds raised will towards an Icon Go Retinal Imaging System valued at $159,000 that helps prevent blindness in premature babies.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the portable equipment can be shared between Tweed Valley, Lismore Base and Grafton Base hospitals.

“The equipment provides a clear image of the back of the eye, allowing our local medical team to instantly share images with the Queensland Paediatric Team for specialist treatment,” she said.

“Currently, families travel to the Gold Coast for testing, often needing two or three examinations. This equipment will eliminate those challenging trips.

“We’ve already raised $95,000 of the $169,000 needed and the funds from the Samson will bring us even closer.”

The Lennox Head Boaty Boys were the top performing men’s team for a second straight year.

Masters of CBF were the open women’s champions while Curtis Fitness Training won the mixed division.

The event continues to grow each year with the amount of women’s team outnumbering the men and mixed teams.

Children are also a big part of the competition with individual events spread across two days.

A growing number of volunteers and community groups have also been involved as the event attracts more than 600 people annually.

Lismore’s local Army Reserve unit, the 41st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment helped and has been a major partner.

Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre held a health expo while Southern Cross University ran the recovery zone.

Summerland Christian College and the Lord’s Taverners Northern NSW Branch were also heavily involved this year.

The Ballina RSL team of Scott Redford, Claire Tyson, Jackson Foreman and Janie Field were recognised with an award for their fundraising efforts.

The Annihilators group set an initial goal of $500 and eventually reached $4000.