19 cyclists from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand are on the 500km journey around Viti Levu with the aim to raise funds to buy reliable oxygen concentrator systems to cater for three additional health facilities.
This is part of the ANZ Fiji 500 event in conjunction with Cure Kids Fiji which started on Friday and will finish today.
They have raised more than $74,000 to date.
Cure Kids Fiji says severe pneumonia in children and newborn illnesses causes approximately 200 deaths each year in Fiji and this is because of the life‑saving oxygen that is often not available for patients when they need it.
Cure Kids say currently Fiji’s gas cylinders come from New Zealand which is a very expensive exercise and results in the rationing of much needed Oxygen.
Cure Kids say the solar powered oxygen delivery systems they are fundraising to install throughout hospitals and health centres in Fiji are designed to take the ambient (am-bi-ant)air, filter out the nitrogen and deliver 98% pure oxygen.
They say once installed, the oxygen delivery systems cost next to nothing to run, and provide almost unlimited oxygen supply.
Cure Kids says they currently have 3 systems installed and successfully operating at key centres throughout Fiji, and more soon to be installed.
They say this year’s ANZ Fiji 500 aims to raise enough funds to purchase 3 more units and is living proof that great challenges bring even greater rewards.
The 19 cyclists are head of certain departments of ANZ Bank.
