Heart health awareness ride comes to a close

Yesterday, Brenda Noonan rode her bike home. Not an uncommon occurrence for this Scarborough based cyclist who gets out and about on a daily basis on her bike. The only difference was, Brenda had just completed a 4,500km road trip, in 30 days!

Brenda is an 'everyday hero' who completed the massive challenge of riding from Scarborough in Western Australia to her home in Queensland as part of her fundraising efforts for the National Heart Foundation.

Brenda became involved with the Heart Foundation when she ran the Auckland Marathon on 2008 and she has continued her passion for promoting the organisation and its work in promoting physical activity as an important part of living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

'A few years ago, I realised I had to do something - I was seriously overweight, totally unfit, and had high blood pressure and unacceptable cholesterol levels,' Brenda said.

'I changed to a healthy eating (and drinking) plan (thanks to the Weight Reduction Clubs of Queensland - Redcliffe Branch). I also started to exercise! The result has been a new, 36kg lighter, fitter me!'

'I discovered the joys of road running - progressing from 5km fun runs, to 10kms, to half-marathons and eventually completing the Auckland Marathon,' she added.

'Triathlons also became part of my life - numerous sprint distance and the longest (so far - I think a Half-Ironman beckons) the Mooloolaba Olympic Distance event.'

'Along the way, the bike rides - three times Brisbane to the Gold Coast 100km, the 100 mile "Century" ride from Brisbane to Noosa, and some thoroughly enjoyable touring in New Zealand and South Australia.'

'Now I am using this new found fitness to raise money for the Heart Foundation.'

Brenda is asking for help in reaching her $10,000 target. So far she has raised just over $6,000. If you would like to make a donation, large or small go to www.everydayhero.com.au/brenda_noonan

'I really hope you can help - seeing the total grow from your support certainly gives me great inspiration to keep going! It also helps the Heart Foundation to do its important work,' Brenda said.

Picture: Brenda is pictured on the Scarbough foreshore yesterday (Tuesday, May 9, 2011) after she finished the final leg of her 4,500km journey aimed at raising heart heatlh awareness and funds for the Heart Foundation.