Vicki McDonald

I am fundraising for..

I’m so proud and feel privileged to be able to do this ride again and it will be my 5th year riding and being part of this amazing event for the FNQ Hospital Foundation!  

This year our team Roses Riders-Riding for Luke 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 began at the age of 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 was my daughters partner and sadly passed away in 2021 whilst on a training ride at the age of 19. 

Rose’s Riders started in 2009 in memory of Darren Rose who was a work colleague and friend of the Azzopardi family . 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 supporting the unit and his family during a 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 in memory of such a special young man who gave so much back through riding for his community to make a difference. I know u will be the wind on our backs and the strength to peddle the distance and hills! We will keep your legacy alive Luke and miss you every day!

I’m taking on the challenge of riding to Cooktown for one simple reason: to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. Heart disease touches so many of us—whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even ourselves. By supporting this ride, we’re helping fund vital cardiac services that save lives right here in Far North Queensland.

Every kilometre I pedal is a step closer to better care, more advanced equipment, and improved outcomes for those who need it most. It’s not just a bike ride; it’s a way to give back to the community, inspire others, and show that together, we can achieve something incredible.

Please join me 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 everyone in our region has access to world-class cardiac care.

Thank you for being part of this ride with me!