Colin Pyper recently completed the 520km ride from the Murray River in Mildura to the Moyne River in Port Fairy.
By Callan Date
HAMPTON Park cyclist Colin Pyper is living proof of the adage that when you fall off your bike you should get straight back on and keep pedaling.
Mr Pyper and a team of 11 staff members from The Alfred hospital have just completed the 520km Woody’s Murray-to-Moyne Team Cycle Relay in an effort to raise much-needed funds for The Alfred’s burns unit.
The 55-year-old suffered burns to the lower part of his body in an industrial accident 10 months ago and was determined to continue his passion for cycling while at the same time giving something back to the facility that helped him recover.
Mr Pyper, described as “one of the most courageous burns patients at The Alfred”, has been cycling for 14 years and at first thought the burns to his body would stop him from cycling forever.
“I thought it would be the end of my cycling,” he said.
“I didn’t think I would ride again, but I was motivated and inspired by seeing other burns patients and how bad their injuries were.”
Mr Pyper was in the burns unit for three weeks after the accident, but amazed hospital staff by being back on the bike within two months of leaving the hospital.
“I was bored and was told by the hospital staff that exercise was good for my rehabiltation, so I just put the leg over the bike and did my best to ride again,” he said.
Mr Pyper completed 270km of the 520km relay and said the support he received throughout both his recovery and the bike ride was invaluable.
Some of that help came from The Alfred’s burn liaison nurse Melinda Pacquola, who was involved in all the stages of Mr Pyper’s recovery and decided to help raise funds by riding in the relay with other staff members.
“It was an amazing effort by Colin considering he only suffered his injuries last year,” Ms Pacquola said.
“He was so focused on getting back on his bike during his recovery. He kept asking, ‘when can I get back on my bike?’”
Ms Pacquola was also grateful for the help of the six support crew members who supplied food, drinks and technical help to ensure all riders were comfortable throughout the relay.
The fundraising efforts are going towards a $15,000 special burns bath that ensures patients receive the best treatment possible.
A hamper valued at about $2000, which includes a signed Melbourne Football Club jumper, a night’s accommodation in a Melbourne hotel, gym memberships and other items, is being raffled for the cause.
Anyone wanting to buy raffle tickets or donate funds towards the purchase of the special burns bath can contact Rachel Haydon at The Alfred Foundation on 9276 2141.
