AU – RRT Launceston & RRT Hobart support Diabetes TAS and TAS Pollie Pedal 2017
RRT were privileged once again to be involved in the support of the 2017 TAS Pollie Pedal raising much needed funds for diabetes. RRT Launceston and RRT Hobart supported the event at six locations on the east coast of Tasmania between the 3rd and 5th March.
The ride is ridden by politicians. RRT are not the only ones that get involved, local businesses and other organisations support it also, being encouraged by the efforts of Tasmania’s Liberal MP, Guy Barnett, who passionately supports and rides in this event. Guy, together with Diabetes Tasmania founded the Tasmanian Pollie Pedal in 2006.
This was his appeal for 2017:
“I urge everyone to support the Diabetes Tasmania Pollie Pedal this year. I will be cycling in my 12th event. As a person living with type 1 diabetes and an ambassador for the cause locally, nationally and internationally, this is of vital importance to all Tasmanian’s living with or at risk of diabetes”.
Diabetes has become one of the most significant health issues facing our community. In Tasmania these are some of the facts:
- 82,000 Tasmanians either live with diabetes, live with undiagnosed diabetes or are at high risk of diabetes
- Every 4 days a Tasmanian has a lower limb amputation related to diabetes
- 5 Tasmanians a day are diagnosed with diabetes
- 18 Tasmanians use Diabetes Tasmania’s education and support services each day
- 1 in 2 people with type 2 diabetes will need insulin to manage their condition
- 1 in 4 daily hospital admissions for diabetes in Tasmania are potentially preventable
The ride this year spread its way through the spectacular Tasmanian landscape, Cressy – Poatina – Great Lakes – Bothwell – New Norfolk – Glenorchy, 270km over 3 days. This was RRT’s 3rd consecutive year to support this annual event, catering at six food and refreshment stops along the way throughout the duration of the event. The menu included, beef and chicken burgers, lamb subs, tea, coffee and water.
RRT would like to congratulate Diabetes Tasmania and their supportive crews on the completion of yet another fantastic event! Needless to say, our volunteers will look forward to supporting Pollie Pedal and Diabetes TAS again in 2018, should the opportunity arise.
