Murray to Moyne raises $32,000 for Dialysis Unit

Patients at East Grampians Health Service’s Dialysis Unit will receive their treatment in more comfortable surrounds, thanks to the 2019 Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay team.

 

This year’s teams, the Cranks and Defibrillators, raised in excess of $32,000 towards the treatment chair replacement project, more than double their target, thanks to the generosity of Ararat and district businesses, friends, family, colleagues and the community.

The current chairs are ageing and new chairs will provide a much more comfortable treatment experience for patients who attend the Dialysis Unit two to three times per week and remain seated for four to five hours at a time.

These treatment chairs are specifically designed to ensure patient comfort as well as ensuring they do not suffer any repercussions from sitting for extended periods of time.

The new treatment chairs are state-of-the-art and also ensure staff can adequately treat patients.

The Murray to Moyne teams partnered with the East Grampians Health Service Auxiliary to raise funds towards the project and the additional funds raised will ensure other smaller items of equipment or furnishings will be included to enhance the patient experience in the Dialysis Unit.

The Murray to Moyne Cycle relay began in Swan Hill and ended 525 kilometres later in Port Fairy.

This year’s EGHS teams comprised 17 riders and a support team of nine, including bus drivers, catering and support persons.

The riders this year enjoyed reasonable conditions and in particular a tail wind on the Sunday into Port Fairy, with all riders riding across the finish line together.

“Our teams this year comprised lots of new faces, which was great to see, and all worked well together throughout the ride, which at times is quite grueling,” team captain Alan Young said.

“The night ride in particular is challenging, given that you have already ridden since early morning, but we all love riding and combining our passion for riding with fundraising for East Grampians Health Service makes it all worthwhile.”

EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman thanked the Murray to Moyne teams for their efforts in raising $32,000 this year.

“Our health service has been participating in Murray to Moyne for around 25 years and in that time our teams have raised thousands of dollars for equipment across the organisation,” Mr Freeman said.

“The EGHS Cranks and Defibrillators are wonderful ambassadors for our health service and their fundraising this year was outstanding.

“Together with funds raised by the EGHS Auxiliary, we will be able to replace all six of our treatment chairs and allow for other incidentals to be purchased for our Dialysis Unit.

“I would also like to thank all of our generous sponsors, many of whom have supported our Murray to Moyne teams for many years.

“Without your support, raising significant funds each year would not be possible, and we are very grateful.”