More than 30 fire and emergency services personnel will ditch the uniform for Lycra as they set off on a seven-day, 710km ride from Gympie to Brisbane as part of Bike 4 Burns 2021.
Bike 4 Burns is an annual charity ride that raises money for the Children's Hospital Foundation, specifically its Burns and Trauma Research Group.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said since the ride began in 2007, it had raised more than $755,000 and had set a goal to surpass $800,000 this year.
"We have 33 QFES personnel taking part in the marathon ride this year, along with two of our colleagues from the Queensland Police Service (QPS)," Mr Leach said.
"They will begin their ride in Gympie tomorrow and will travel through parts of regional Queensland including Murgon, Jandowae, Dalby, Millmerran, Allora and Ipswich before reaching the Children's Hospital."
Mr Leach said QFES personnel had been training outdoors and indoors for the ride.
"Last year, due to COVID-19, the ride was forced to adapt and was transformed into a 12-hour One Day Classic," Mr Leach said.
"The whole team is excited to get back on the road, travelling through Queensland communities and raising vital funds while they are at it."
Funds raised will support research to develop better methods for treating burns including reducing recovery time, scarring and pain as well as implementing burns prevention campaigns.
For more information contact QFES Media on 3635 3310.
