Peddlers at the ready: let the ride begin!

Riders of the 10th Medibank PolliePedal will gear up for the start of the three-day ride around southern Tasmania to spread awareness and education messages about diabetes, this year highlighting the importance of preventative health.

There are nearly 27,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes and an estimated 45,000 are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with six Tasmanians developing diabetes every day.

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said PolliePedal was the flagship fundraising event for the health charity, connecting participants with local communities to raise awareness of the risks associated with diabetes.

“Kicking-off from St Johns Primary School in Richmond today, the 22 riders, including state politicians, will travel the southern region on their 300km, three-day journey, taking in New Norfolk and the Channel before crossing the finish line in Seven Mile Beach on Sunday afternoon,” Ms Wells said.

The annual event commenced in partnership with former Senator Guy Barnett in 2006 and has since raised over $430,000 to support the thousands of Tasmanians diagnosed with diabetes as well as promoting healthy living in the community.
Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells