Doctors On Bikes Complete Epic Journey To Bluff

Doctors On Bikes Complete Epic Journey To Bluff This Sunday, 14 February

One of the biggest fundraising events in the Heart Foundation's history has seen a team of top cardiologists push their own cardiovascular systems to the limit - all in the name of heart health.

In just 14 days, more than 30 doctors on bikes will have cycled 2117km, churned through two crates of anti-chaffing cream, consumed 950 bananas and rehydrated themselves with 1500 litres of electrolyte replacement fluid.

They have been cycling to boost awareness of heart disease and to raise $1million for the Heart Foundation's Cardiovascular Research Fund - an endowment fund initially with $5million to establish the country's first research hub dedicated to heart disease prevention.

Auckland cardiologists Rob Doughty says Sunday's 207km leg from Queenstown to Bluff will be the longest and most gruelling of the journey so far.

"The Great Ride For Heart has been and incredible challenge and we're all feeling the physical and emotional impacts of the journey so far. We have our sights set on Bluff and look forward to celebrating the end of this remarkable adventure at Stirling Point on Sunday," he says.

Associate Professor Doughty and 24 of his medical colleagues from around New Zealand embarked on the Great Ride For Heart in response to the relentless trauma they witness as patients and families struggle against the country's single biggest killer - heart disease.

The group achieved their $1million fundraising target on day two of their journey - but calls for more donations have continued as the Cardiovascular Research Fund is still $2million short of its $5million target.

Associate Professor Doughty says cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) will affect most New Zealanders at some point in their lives - with most Kiwis having already lost someone close because of it.

"Despite huge advancements in the treatment of cardiovascular disease it remains the number one killer of both men and women."

"Because New Zealand's socio-economic, ethnic and demographic mix is so unique, we require heart health research that is relevant to our communities. That is what this fund will provide - it will help us to stop New Zealanders dying premeturely from heart disease."

Former Prime Minister and heart attack survivor Dame Jenny Shipley is Chair of the Cardiovascular Research Fund's Leadership Team and is looking forward to supporting her husband Burton as he tackles the Queenstown to Bluff leg of the Great Ride For Heart on Sunday.

"The Heart Foundation has spent over 40 years investing in medical research and the promotion of public health around heart disease. The charity has been placing an increased emphasis on making a real change for New Zealanders by focusing on heart disease prevention. Burton and I are thrilled to be a part of this exciting movement for heart health," she says.

For more information or to support a rider visit http://www.heartracer.org.nz/rideforheart

ENDS

© Scoop Media