KARACHI: The annual cycling event titled “Ride. Bike. Save Lives. 2024” organised by the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) on Sunday attracted a large number of enthusiasts from across the city.

The event was held in collaboration with Critical Mass Karachi (CMK) and Port Grand. This year’s ride was dedicated to raising awareness for Childhood Cancer.

“This cause is very close to IHHN’s mission of providing free-of-cost, quality healthcare to the underserved. We are glad that more and more people are coming forward to support the hospital’s mission,” a spokesperson for the hospital shared with Dawn.

He appreciated the role of the CMK and other groups that helped rally the cycling community for the cause and said that this year over 400 cyclists supported the event, spreading awareness of paediatric cancer.

Participants converge on Port Grand from different points in the city

The event brought together cycling groups — CMK, Cycologists, GG Riders, PECHS Riders, Free Riders, Slow & Steady, North Nazimabad Cycling Group, Wings on Wheels, Docs on Wheels, and ECKO Rider — to ride through the streets of Karachi, promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness for paediatric oncology.

The cycling groups started their rides from different points in the city and converged on Port Grand in the end, where the they were greeted with cheers and applause from their families, friends, and IHHN staff.

The scenic venue offered a perfect backdrop for the event’s closing ceremony, which included a special engagement session with the cyclists, courtesy Port Grand.

The venue generously provided parking, audio set-ups, and a hearty breakfast for the participants, making the event a memorable and impactful success.

In his remarks, Salim Razak Tabani, chairman of IHHN’s Fundraising Committee, expressed deep gratitude to all cyclists, donors, supporters, and partners who made this event possible.

He acknowledged that with the increasing demand for healthcare services, IHHN’s role in providing free-of-cost, quality care to over 500,000 patients monthly continues to grow.

Salim Razak Tabani, and Syed Mashhood Rizvi, Executive Director of Communications & Resource Development Directorate at IHHN, also addressed the participants with inspiring messages about the critical need for continued support in fighting childhood cancer.

The event was made more special by the presence of paediatric oncology patients from IHHN, who were honoured as chief guests.

These brave children presented heartfelt, handwritten cards to the leaders of the various cycling groups, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the cyclists’ support.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2024