Taylor Ellis and the VazTrain community have hit the ground running and cycling this month, raising vital funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) through the Oceans to Outback challenge.
“We chose to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service because of the incredible work they do for rural and remote communities,” said Taylor.
“Having family living in remote areas, I know just how much their support means to people in those regions.”
Each team member set a personal fitness goal, balancing challenge and achievability.
For some, it’s their first time taking on cycling, walking, or running, while others are seasoned athletes looking to push a little further.
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The team’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the support from the local gym community, family, and friends has been overwhelming.
“The VazTrain team has really gotten behind it and everyone’s been encouraging and supporting each other,” Taylor said.
Participants have been mixing up their training, with some clocking kilometres on stationary bikes at the gym, while others take to the open road or hit the walking and running tracks.
All kilometres are tracked using Strava, then uploaded to the Oceans to Outback platform to keep tally of the team’s collective effort.
Together, the team has already raised an impressive $1,527.72, aiming to reach a total of $3,000 by the end of the challenge.
Cycling standout Ciara Hamil is leading the charge, pedalling a staggering 1300km over the month, a remarkable individual effort that has inspired the entire group.
This year’s team features Aileen Davidson, Eliza Brodie, Julie McMillan, Karen Black, Kerri Brooke, Joey Vaz, Lucy, Ciara Hamil, Jasmine Saville, Narelle Walker, Shania Anderson, Bailey, and Tyson Thompson.
The RFDS was founded in 1928 by Rev. John Flynn in Cloncurry in Queensland after the death of a prominent stockman on a remote property became his inspiration.
The service provides medical and health care to regional and outback areas.
The service currently has a fleet of 87 aircraft working from 23 bases across Australia.
Each day the RFDS has about 900 patient contacts and in the course of its history has flown the equivalent distance of 34 return trips to the moon.
Those wanting to show their support can donate, share the fundraising page, or even join the challenge themselves.
Every contribution helps the RFDS continue its essential work across Australia’s vast and remote regions.
Support the VazTrain team here: https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/VazTrain7177
