Media Release
Embargo to Wednesday 10th December 2008
THE HOSPI
WELLINGTON’S HOSPITAL TO HOSPITAL CHARITY BIKE RIDE IN AID OF WELLINGTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation Chair, Bill Day, announced today the date for an exciting new charity bike event in Wellington. The
inaugural HOSPI – Wellington’s Hospital to Hospital cycle ride from Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua to Wellington
Children’s Hospital in Newtown - will be held on Sunday 15th March 2009. THE HOSPI will be held to raise funds for Wellington Children’s Hospital which will be in new premises next year in
the Grace Neill Building at Wellington Hospital. “We want to make the new premises as child-friendly and happy a place
as possible, so our Sick Kids won’t be scared of their surroundings while they receive treatment” says Bill Day, Chair
of the Foundation. The 50km ride is open to cyclists of all skill levels and is via the scenic beauty of Makara, through
Karori and the Wellington coastline. Participants will ride over three testing hills, Ironside Road in Johnsonville,
Makara Hill and Brooklyn Hill before descending to Island Bay and the finish in Newtown. The annual event is hosted by
HOSPI, the official lion mascot for Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation and will provide participants with a
unique opportunity to ride the roads of Wellington in a fun bike ride that puts safety first. The entire ride is 50km with options to ride a 25km team section or a 5km ride for youngsters and supporters not
wishing to tackle the entire 50km. Entry and route details will soon be available on the event website
www.hospibikeride.co.nz.
ENDS