Cyclists hope to raise $100,000 for heart research
A GROUP of 34 cyclists, who are riding from Coolangatta to Sydney, will be in Yamba tomorrow as part of their ride to raise awareness about heart beat irregularities.
The group will set out from Coolangatta early tomorrow morning and is hoping to ride 216 kilometres on the first day.
"Arrhythmias (heart beat irregularities) are a major public health issue in Australia, affecting more than half-a-million people," said Paceline founder Steve Quinn.
"I am one of the lucky ones," said Mr Quinn, who was diagnosed with two forms of arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in 2003 at the age of 35.
"Close to one-in-five sufferers are unaware they have the condition, leaving them at risk of a potentially life-threatening stroke, heart failure or sudden death."
Paceline aims to raise $100,000 to help fund medical research into the causes and treatment of irregular heartbeats and Mr Quinn said as many as 5,000 people in the Northern Rivers live with the condition.
People interested in making a donation or joining the group can visit www.paceline.com.au.
