Thousands of Queenslanders swapped their Sunday attire for lycra as MS Queensland’s flagship fundraising event for multiple sclerosis, the MS Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride, concluded its 34th year with resounding success.
Held on Sunday, June 9, the annual cycling event attracted over 4,000 participants, from novices to seasoned cyclists, raising over $900,000 to fund vital support and services for Queenslanders living with MS and neurological conditions.
MS Queensland CEO David Curd expressed gratitude for the community’s support, “Every year, this event attracts thousands of MS supporters who share a common goal of ensuring every Queenslander living with MS can live a better life. It’s extraordinary to see people from every corner of the city, whether they’re avid cyclists or casual riders, ride to fight MS.”
Since the event’s inception in 1990, Queenslanders have raised funds to ensure people living with MS can connect to a better life through support, services, research, and community, and by funding research about the condition.
MS Queensland General Manager of Supporter Impact, Victoria Andrews, was thrilled to see the significant funds raised. “We are happy to share that we raised over $900,000, which is an incredible outcome for the 2024 ride. This is our largest fundraising event, with funds powering MS research to help search for a cure and supporting vital services across Queensland, including the NeuroAssist Help Line, NDIS access, Neuro Wellness Hub, and specialist MS nursing support.”
“This year, we partnered with EveryBody eBikes to offer people living with neurological conditions the opportunity to use a modified bike or trike to participate in the ride,” Andrews added.
MS community member Kim Speechley, diagnosed with MS in December 2021, emphasiSed the impact of the event, “It’s thanks to generous donors from events like MS Brissie to the Bay that services such as the NeuroAssist Help Line can operate and help not only people like me with MS but our friends and family who may have questions or concerns. No matter the distance or how much you raise, being there and showing your support helps raise awareness and ensures that no Queenslander faces MS alone.”
Speechley recalled a memorable moment from a previous event, “My manager was riding for me in the 130km ride. I was waiting at the finish line when I received a text from him 1km out saying his bike had broken down, but he was determined to finish. He carried his bike all the way to the finish line, which was such a proud moment for me and everyone participating in the ride.”
The event turned Brisbane into a sea of coloUr as cyclists commenced the ride from Musgrave Park in South Brisbane to the picturesque bayside, with five courses on offer. The most popular course, 100 kilometers, attracted thousands of participants, with 10, 25, 50, 100, and 130-kilometer courses also available.
MS Queensland had fantastic partners that helped bring Brissie to the Bay to life, including Smooth FM Brisbane, Donut King, Morgans, Fellons, Everybody E-Bikes, AusCycling, Hillbrick, Kane Constructions, and KPMG.
Those interested in supporting the ride to fight MS and making a lifesaving donation are encouraged to visit brissietothebay.com.au.
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