Tasmanians pedal for prevention and awareness as …

…Diabetes Tasmania celebrates 10th anniversary of PolliePedal

A team of 26 dedicated Tasmanians will pedal for prevention and awareness of diabetes next weekend, marking the 10th Anniversary Ride of Diabetes Tasmania’s biggest annual fundraising event, the Medibank PolliePedal.

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

The cycling team is geared up and set to spread awareness and education messages about diabetes across southern Tasmania, this year highlighting the importance of preventative health.

Kicking-off with an official launch from St Johns Primary School in Richmond on Friday 20 February, the riders will travel the southern region on their 300km, three-day journey.

No hill will be barred, as the riders visit New Norfolk Primary School before heading down the Channel via Lower Longley and Verona Sands. A community barbeque will be held at Snug on the Saturday evening and riders will head back to Hobart via the Channel Highway, finishing at the Royal Hobart Golf Club at Seven Mile Beach on the Sunday afternoon.

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

“It’s very important that we continue to provide support and services, which can help people to live well with diabetes, as well as raising awareness about the impact of diabetes,” Ms Wells said.

“In 2006, PolliePedal commenced its partnership with then-Senator Guy Barnett, who has type 1 diabetes, and since then the annual fundraiser has attracted many local, state and federal politicians as well as like-minded business people and members of the community.

“It sees participants on their bikes and off the beaten track to meet Tasmanians from regional communities, all for a good cause.

“Since the first Tasmanian PolliePedal, more than $430,000 has been raised to support people living with diabetes, to reduce the negative impact of the disease and to raise community awareness.

“The event is vital, both as a fundraising initiative to assist us to deliver services, advocacy and support for people with diabetes, as well as providing an opportunity to engage with schools and local communities to deliver important prevention and healthy lifestyle messages.”
Jacquie Ray, Font PR