Rose's Riders - Riding for Luke

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Introducing the why - help us raise funds for a much needed service

This year we will once again ride for Luke Azzopardi. Luke joined Rose’s Riders in 2009 at age 7 as a supporter. He supported the team in 2010 and 2011 and finally in 2012 his dream of riding the challenge eventuated. By improving his skills at the Cairns Cycling Club, Luke demonstrated his ability to join as a rider in 2012 at age 10. Since then, Luke has ridden every year (except 2018 when he had a school commitment). His next dream was fulfilled when he became a pack leader and eventually could lead his fellow friends, cyclists and mentors in pack 1. Luke sadly passed away in 2021 whilst on a training ride. 

Rose’s Riders started in 2009 in memory of Darren Rose. Darren passed away suddenly of a heart condition in June 2009 at age 36. The original Rose’s Riders team banded together that year to support the Cairns Hospital Cardiac Unit by riding their first Cardiac Challenge. Since then, Rose’s Riders have been riding each year in memory of Darren and the support the unit showed his family during difficult time. 

Luke’s support for the Cardiac Challenge never waned and he vowed to ride every year no matter where he was in the world. So this year – we are once again participating in the Cardiac Challenge for Luke. Some of us riding, some of us as supporters and some of us as volunteers. With Luke beside us, even though we know how hard it will be, we also know that we will be proud of our achievements and will remember the legacy he left.  

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We’re taking on the challenge of riding to Cooktown as a team for one simple reason: to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community.

Heart disease affects so many of us—whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even ourselves. Together, we’re riding to raise funds for vital cardiac services that save lives right here in Far North Queensland.

Every kilometre we pedal is a step closer to better care, more advanced equipment, and improved outcomes for those who need it most. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s our way of giving back to the community, inspiring others, and proving that teamwork can achieve incredible things.

We’d love for you to join us on this journey — whether it’s by cheering us on, spreading the word, or making a donation. Every little bit helps bring us closer to ensuring that everyone in our region has access to world-class cardiac care.

Thank you for being part of this incredible effort with us!

Thank you to our Sponsors

$1.12k

Sue Helmke

12 hr cycle relay

$1.02k

12 Hour Cycle Relay

$452

12 Hour Cycle Relay

12 hour Cycle relay

$405

Reef City Maintenance

get it done tradie lady

$300

Rachel White

100 board fundraiser

$300

Rachel White

100 board fundraiser

$264

Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic

Go Vicki!! You absolute “crazy” legend.

$250

Anonymous

$220

Vicki Mcdonald

Money tin $$$ …thank you everyone!! X

$200

Brodie Dick

Ride well xo

$106

Patty Whitcher

In memory of my beautiful sweet brother Leighton

$106

Sue White

$106

Sue White

$106

Hans Wurzel

Good luck...

$106

Michelle And Aiden Trevan

You’re incredible Vicki!! Well done on another great ride.

$100

Anonymous

$70

Sue Helmke

$70

Yvonne And Richie

Well done riding for such a good cause Azzopardi family

$53

Sandy & Col

All the best Vicki! You are a champion!

$53

Eloise Harnett

Great effort, David!

$53

Paula And Joseph Morzone

Great work David!

$53

Nathan Haydon

On ya Dave!

$53

Sandy & Col

Good on you Rhianna! You’re a champion! Love Sandy & Col

$53

Anne Massey

Go Vickster! Love it

$53

Deb Trehearn

Go Sue , Jas and all the other riders .!!!

$53

Tyson Martin

You are inspirational Sue.

$53

Anonymous

From Billy and Frankie

$53

Shelly Clarke

Ride like the wind girl 🚴🏽‍♀️

$53

Lachie Fitzsimons

Peddle hard Madi May

$53

Richard Clark

Good luck Jez, best wishes. Richard

$53

Lucinda Brown

So proud of you Vicki and all you do for our community and the love you give Finn everytime he comes to see you 🤩🤩

$53

Gabby Lawler

What an amazing event for a great cause.

$53

Mallory Bell

Go auntie Jazz 😍🐕

$53

Bill K

Fantastic job, Jez! Great cause! Have an awesome ride!

$50

Lisa

$50

Josh Raynor

Well done on the mini bike today.

$50

Sue Helmke

Great work on the folding bike today.

$50

Robert Ibell

Well done Team

$50

Lorraine & John Brown

Go girl! You can do it , so proud of you x

$50

Josh Raynor

Great job at the track today and rising to the challenge.

$50

Elspeth

Another fantastic effort - hope it stays dry for you all!

$45

Jasmine Azzopardi

$43

Addi

$30

Cass, Jo And Tyson

Cass, Jo and Tyson Curry Lunch :) Much love for the upcoming ride xx

$30

Zac And Casey

Love you man

$27

Amy

$26

Chloe R

Good work Chloe!!

$26

Pat Blake

Enjoy the ride Jazzy. So happy you are getting to experience this as a rider with your mum.

$26

Anonymous

$26

Pat Blake

Enjoy the ride Sue

$26

Sandra Charlton

Jazzy, good luck on taking on your first Cardiac Challenge. Luke would be beaming with pride to see you doing this. You got this!

$26

Sandra Charlton

My dear friend, Sue, your strength and courage in taking on another Cardiac Challenge is truly inspiring. I'm so proud of you. The love you carry for Luke will shine through every kilometre you pedal.

$26

Tonia Sankey

Go team! X

$26

Anonymous

$26

Mary Mcguinness

here's to another great year

$26

Ualani Hudson

Good luck chloee

$26

Kali Houlihan

$26

Shaun Wedmaier

Get after it bossman

$25

Cassandra Strauss

All the best for your upcoming ride :)

$25

Sue Helmke

$25

Vicki Mcdonald

$21

The Dinsdales

Good luck David from the Dinsdales 😊

$20

David Hutton

$20

Anonymous

$20

Clare Robertson

$19

Tania Coxhill

Go Vicki, enjoy the ride! xo

$16

Terry Roos

Congratulations champ! Terry and Dorothy Roos

$11

Addi

$11

Isabelle Knaack

$1

Jeremy

🚴🚴