Over 90 riders slated to participate in 20th anniversary event
Valued at approximately US$10, 000, a
fibreoptic bronchoscope is a flexible, thin, tube-like instrument which is
passed through the nose or mouth and down into the lungs. It is most useful in treating
trauma patients, (injured in cases like motor vehicle accidents or falls), who
have spinal injury in the neck region, and in whom any movement of the spine
could result in permanent paralysis. It enables the doctor to see inside the
patient’s breathing passages to ensure proper placement of life-saving tubes
necessary for anaesthesia or attachment to a life support machine. It also allows the doctor to get samples of
mucus or tissue from the lungs for testing or to remove any blockage of the
breathing passages. The fibreoptic bronchoscope is able to carry pictures back
to a video screen or camera for recording or training of other doctors in the
technique.
Dr. Hyacinth Harding-Goldson, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department
of Anaesthesia and the Intensive Care Unit of the UHWI was
quick to point out the benefits of the sponsorship. “The monetary assistance
from Jamaica
“Unfortunately the dangers of travelling on
Jamaican roads are well known with about 300 deaths per year”, she added. “As
with the general population, members of Jamaica by Bike have been patients in
our ICU and this has led to the realization of the important life saving
services that we offer.”
Over the last five
years, members of the ICU medical staff have accompanied the participants and
volunteered their services on the Heroes’ Weekend Ride, in case of an accident
or other medical emergency such as an acute asthmatic, or heart attack. Toyota Jamaica
Toyota Jamaica lends sizeable support
Tom
Connor, Managing Director of Toyota
Jamaica explained why it was
such an important venture for the company. “Toyota believes in
promoting a healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, and Jamaica by Bike provides the perfect opportunity
for us to collaborate in an event while contributing to a worthy cause,” said
Connor. “We are very happy to be part of this initiative and look forward to
building the relationship with Jamaica
by Bike in supporting this institution that does so much work in saving lives.”
The featured vehicle for this year is the 2013 Toyota Hilux Pick-Up
which aptly fits the ride event as it meets the needs of a cyclist. It can
accommodate a driver and four passengers and carry five bikes in the back of
the pick-up. Additionally, the company is
offering the use of its Spanish Town Road
headquarters for the start of the ride and the lunch stop will be at their new
dealership in Montego Bay .
But Toyota ’s
sponsorship extends beyond its contribution, as its MD Tom Connor will be
riding to Negril with the Jamaica
by Bike team. He first participated in the event in 2006, and is making use of
the opportunity to ride again this year. “I
am thrilled about this new collaboration between Jamaica
by Bike and Toyota , as it
augers well for fitness development and the contribution to the local
healthcare,” said Connor.
Over 90 riders
expected for 158 mile Kingston
to Negril journey
The Jamaica by Bike charity ride will take place on
Saturday October 13, 2012, starting at Toyota Jamaica , 427
Spanish Town Road . Group B will be leaving at 4:30 am and
Group A at 5:15 am; and based on projections, there should be in excess of 90
riders for the 158 mile journey which will take them northward to Ocho Rios,
then Westward to Negril. The participants are divided into two groups in an
effort to encourage group control, to cater for riders at different fitness
levels and to ensure adequate coordination and management for the near 12 hour
journey.
Last year, there were over 100 riders
registered for the event, 80 of whom completed the ride in the inclement
weather which made participation difficult. Since its inception, Jamaica by Bike has made donations to the
Jamaica Cancer Society, the first beneficiary; Sir John Golding Rehabilitation
Centre and the UHWI ICU.
For more
information please check www.jamaicabybike.com, email info@jamaicabybike.com or call 830-0020, or
contact CGR Communications - Kimesha Walters at 977-5060 ext. 280 or email kwalters@cgrjamaica.com.
You may also visit us on Facebook: Jamaica
by Bike.
About the Ride
The Jamaica by Bike Organization has its origins in the Negril Ride
event, which was conceptualised and first accomplished by three pioneering road
cyclists, Dr. Franklyn Bennett, Paul Andrew Goldson and Tim Byam, back in
1992.
It was initially envisioned as a test challenge for the amateur cyclist
after a full year of training. It was a daunting task, but the challenge soon
got the attention of the cycling public, and soon after, the ride was
established as an annual event on the cycling calendar.
The nature of the ride has also evolved into a social event which marks
the start of the National Heroes weekend in Jamaica, attracting both
recreational and professional cyclists locally and internationally.