Cyclists gear up for the Sandringham Hospital Capital Appeal
The PRG 24-Hour Bike Ride is back and local cycling enthusiasts are gearing up to pedal around the clock next weekend.
A team of 40 cyclists is set to ride day and night in the biennial event to raise funds for the Sandringham Hospital Capital Appeal. The bike ride has raised more than $330,000 for the hospital since it began in 2008.
Blackrock Primary School Council President Neil Lyons will be getting on his bike for the cause and has a special association the hospital.
“I grew up in Blackrock and my family has a close affinity with the hospital,” Mr Lyons said.
“My father had a cardiac arrest whilst in emergency under observation for chest pains. The fantastic staff there saved his life. For this I’m eternally grateful so I’m very happy to give back where I can.
They also stitched me up after I had a nasty fall from my bike. I fell asleep towards the end of a long Sunday training ride back in my Ironman triathlon days.
As a surf lifesaver and nipper coach at Black Rock Life Saving Club, Sandringham is our local community hospital for follow up and emergency care. The 24 hour ride is conveniently based at our club for the weekend bringing two of my worlds together.”
The riders will set off at midday on Saturday September 2 in Black Rock. The group will then ride in a relay loop between Black Rock and Mordialloc for 24 hours non-stop.
You can get behind Neil and the other riders by visiting their PRG 24-Hour Bike Ride Gofundraise page. All donations will directly support the Sandringham Hospital Capital Appeal to build a new Day Procedure Centre for the local community.
