Roses Riders Riding For Luke

Why it's important we support the Cardiac Challenge

The Cardiac Challenge, and everything it represents, along with the vital cardiac services it provides in Cairns, is a fundamental reason behind our annual ride. We appreciate your support in continuing to raise funds. This will ensure Cairns has access to first class equipment and can effectively support its patients close to home.

Rose’s Riders was founded in 2009 in memory of Darren Rose. Darren passed away unexpectedly from a heart condition in June 2009 at the age of 36. So, the original Rose’s Riders team came together that year and rallied to support the Cairns Hospital Cardiac Unit by joining their very first Cardiac Challenge! Since then, Rose’s Riders has been riding annually in Darren’s memory, honouring the unwavering support the unit provided his family during their difficult time.

This year, we are once again honoured to ride in the challenge, and we dedicate it to Luke Azzopardi. Luke joined Rose’s Riders in 2009 at the tender age of 7 as a supporter. He continued to support the team in 2010 and 2011, and finally, in 2012, his dream of riding the challenge eventuated. By honing his cycling skills at the Cairns Cycling Club, Luke demonstrated his readiness to join as a rider in 2012 at the age of 10. Since then, Luke has faithfully ridden every year, with the exception of 2018 when he had a school commitment. His aspirations reached new heights when he became a pack leader, eventually leading his fellow friends, cyclists, and mentors in pack 1. Tragically, Luke passed away in 2021 while on a training ride.

Luke’s support for the Cardiac Challenge was always there, no matter what! He promised himself he’d ride every year, no matter where he was in the world! Therefore, this year, we are participating in the Cardiac Challenge in Luke’s honour. Some of us will be riding, while others will be supporting or volunteering. With Luke by our side, even though we acknowledge the challenges ahead, we are filled with pride in our achievements and the positive impact they will have on the Cardiac Unit.