April 8, 2008  

POLLIE PEDAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Today Chris Hayes, Federal Member for Werriwa will be taking part in the final stage of the 2008 Pollie Pedal, riding from Camden to Westmead Hospital.

The Pollie Pedal is in its eleventh year and consists of politicians, sportspeople and community representatives who have participated in a long distance bike ride to raise money for charity.

“Being my first ride in Pollie Pedal, I have had to borrow a bike and some gear as well as put in many early morning hours in the saddle, so that I can complete the 70 kilometre leg today” said Mr Hayes.

The 2008 Pollie Pedal began on 31^st March in Melbourne and finishes today at Westmead Hospital, with riders covering almost 1100 kilometres in 9 days. This year the riders are raising money for prostate cancer research at Westmead Hospital.

“There are about 15,000 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and tragically kills 3,000 of them annually. I am participating in this event today to help raise awareness of this frightful disease” said Mr Hayes.

Mr Hayes said “This year Pollie Pedal aims to raise about $200,000 which will boost funds to leading researchers studying the causes and treatments of this disease”.

Over the past decade, Pollie Pedallers have ridden 11,000km to raise more than one million dollars for organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ronald McDonald House, the Paralympic Games as well as medical research into childhood leukaemia and diabetes.

Mr Hayes said “Pollie Pedal promotes cycling as an important 'green' mode of transport and a very healthy activity in which people of any age and fitness level can participate in. It's a challenge for charity”.

“This great event continues to grow because of the bipartisan support, contribution and participation of sponsors, and I look forward to participating again next year” said Mr Hayes.