Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters have raised over $100,000 for Burns Unit victims through their annual 400in4 Charity ride and ultra-marathon runner, Rob Mason.
In March this year, 28 FRNSW and ACT Firefighters set up base camp at the NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park for a week of ‘gears and tears’ for the kids currently doing it tough in the Burns Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Final day of the ride
The final day of the ride then saw a race between an ultramarathon runner and a Station Officer at Shoalhaven
Over the course of a week, the riders clocked up over 400 km, with their longest ride being a 110km loop from Jindabyne, over to Dalgety and up the Beloka wall.
The final day of the ride then saw a race between Ultra marathon runner and Station Officer at Shoalhaven, Rob Mason, against the 400in4 cyclists from the Jindabyne Base Camp to the top of Charlottes Pass. The cyclists gave Rob a two-and-a-half-hour head start.
Front of the first FRNSW firefighter
In a tight race, Rob completed the course in three hours and 40 minutes, 15 minutes in front of the first FRNSW firefighter on two wheels.
Rob has continued to raise money for the Children’s Burns Unit, becoming the fastest person ever to run across the ACT this month, before embarking on a Broken Hill to Bondi charity run in September. The 400in4 Charity ride started in 2006 and to date has raised over $1.1 million for burn survivors.
Purchase of expensive equipment
The money raised has gone towards the purchase of expensive equipment such as laser machines
The money raised has gone towards the purchase of expensive equipment such as laser machines that reduce scarring, the funding of a specialist burns anesthetist to provide the most effective pain relief, the opening of a new burns surgery theater room within the unit and the employment of psychologists to help both burns victims and their families to adjust to life after their injuries.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner, Megan Stiffler, was proud of the effort of all those who had taken part in the ride, stating: "Since it started in 2006, the 400in4 bike ride has been a great example of firefighters coming together for a tremendous cause."
Benefit from the ride
Megan Stiffler added: "Everyone that takes part gives of their time to raise money for something that is close to all firefighters’ hearts and to know that those burns victims and their families will be able to benefit from the ride is what makes it all worthwhile."
Firefighters now presented the cheque to representatives of the Burns Unit as part of Sydney Sick Kids Day at Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD.
