By ALESHA CAPONE
A MARRIED couple have organised a Thailand cycling trip to raise funds for patient care and research across Western Health’s hospitals in Footscray, Sunshine and Williamstown.
Dr Andrew Jeffreys is the Clinical Services Director of peri-operative and critical care services at Western Health.
His wife of 26 years, Dr Fiona Henderson, is based at Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus as a lecturer and coordinator of academic support and development.
The pair has encouraged people to sign up for the Western Health and Victoria University Thailand Challenge 2014, a nine day cycling trip from Bangkok along the coastline.
Dr Henderson said the idea came about after she and her husband took part in a similar fundraising event for the Epworth Hospital.
She said for the upcoming Thailand trip, everyone involved would personally raise $1500 for patient care and research in Orthopedics at Western Health.
“We’re still looking for numbers, we could take anything up to 30 people but a dozen would certainly make it worthwhile,” she said.
“We’re cycling along quiet roads, through national parks and fishing villages.”
“It’s a nice holiday basically and it’s a great way of seeing the countryside,” Dr Jeffreys said.
He said cyclists on the Thailand journey would take in an area where the Burma Railway was built by prisoners of war including 60,000 Allied troops during World War II.
Dr Jeffreys said the trip held a special place in his heart because his grandfather, an airforce pilot during WWII, knew many POWs.
“It has a historic resonance for me,” he said.
The trip will cost $3450 including return flights, RAW Travel leader, accommodation, bikes, transport vehicles, all meals and more. Keen cyclists of any fitness level are encouraged to participate.
Two training rides have been set up and anyone interested can take part on 8 December or 19 January, 9am – midday. Meet in the carpark between VU Aquatic Centre and the Maribyrnong River.
See http://rawtravel.com/trip/victoria_university__western_health_thailand_challenge or contact Jenn McConnell on 8395 8067 for more information.
