Patient Steve seeks riders for cycle of kidney health

Kim Waters
A veteran Geelong dialysis patient has undertaken a year-long fundraising campaign with just a bike, a helmet and a desire to raise vital funding for a charity close to his heart.
Now Steve Cartin wants other bike riders to join him on his monthly ride along the Bellarine Rail Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff as he seeks to raise thousands of dollars for Kidney Health Australia.
Mr Cartlin said his 70km rides were a way of “doing my bit” for a charity that had helped him through a lengthy dialysis process.
“Three days a week I go to the Geelong Hospital for dialysis and I’ll do that for the rest of my life,” Mr Cartin said.
“This campaign started as a way for me to celebrate my good health and raise money for a worthy cause.
“Most people on dialysis are quite unwell, so being fit enough to do the bike ride is such a great thing for me.”
Mr Cartin started on dialysis nine years ago after a failed kidney transplant.
“For the first few years it’s really hard and your health deteriorates quite a bit,” he said.
“I’ve just recently been able to build up my fitness and I’m feeling so much better, so I wanted to celebrate that.”
Mr Cartin said his rides started 9am on the last Sunday of each month at South Geelong train station.
He hoped to raise $5000 for dialysis patients.
Mr Cartin hoped other riders would help him tackle his fundraising challenge.
“I’d really encourage as many people as possible to come along and ride with me.”
Mr Cartin said prospective riding mates could contact him through www.everydayhero.com.au/stevecartin.”