The Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge participants have been gearing up for their big ride for a good cause, and they are about to hit the road to make a difference for Queensland children.
In 2025, the Brisbane cohort will depart from the New South Wales mid-north coast on Saturday, 3 May and cycle all the way to Queensland’s capital city by Friday, 9 May.
This year, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, through its initiative The Common Good, is involved in this impactful event as a charity partner for the second time.
We are so grateful that a portion of the funds raised will support sick and injured kids at The Prince Charles Hospital through an expanded Child Life Therapy (CLT) program in the hospital’s children’s emergency department. The Child Life Therapists make medical experiences much more positive and reduce the stress of being in the hospital and potential trauma of undergoing medical procedures.
This expanded service will enhance emotional and psychological support for young patients and their families who visit the hospital in their time of need.
“The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation (TPCHF) and the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation (CRCF) share a joint commitment to improving children’s lives. We understand the power of united efforts and true collaboration to make a significant difference and impact for sick and injured kids,” said CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, Steve Francia.
About the Chain Reaction Challenge 2025
This year’s challenge for Brisbane riders will span 7 days and see them tackle 1000 kilometres from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane.
The course will take the participants on a cycle through demanding yet scenic terrain each day, with the distance on two days being in excess of 172 kilometres.
Dr Megan Grace
The Foundation’s Research Manager, is joining the Chain Reaction Challenge for the first time in 2025.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that TPCH Foundation does to support patient care and medical research. I am excited to be representing our team in the Chain Reaction Challenge ride. We are lucky to be a major charity partner with Chain Reaction this year, with the funds raised going to support sick kids at The Prince Charles Hospital – which has one of Queensland’s busiest Children’s Emergency Departments,” said Dr Megan Grace.
Our Research Manager has been training hard to prepare for this arduous challenge, attending a three-day training camp in April and climbing Mount Coot-tha many times.
However, she knows the importance and impact of the ride and how many people can benefit from an expanded Child Life Therapy service at the hospital.
“It is very daunting to think I will be riding over 1000km in seven days. But, having personally experienced presenting to hospital both as a child and a parent, rising to that challenge is my way of giving back, and contributing to the ever-increasing needs of The Prince Charles Hospital as they undertake a significant expansion of the Paediatric Department,” she said.
Nick Barr
The Director of Limitless is completing his 11th Chain Reaction Challenge in 2025, and said it is deeply personal.
“Every year, the ride tests your limits — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but the purpose behind it keeps driving me forward. Knowing that each kilometre helps children and families going through incredibly tough times at The Prince Charles Hospital gives the ride meaning far beyond the bike. It’s a privilege to be part of something that creates real change, and I’m proud to ride alongside such a committed group for a cause that truly matters,” he said.
Using funds to expand the Child Life Therapy (CLT) Service
TPCH currently has only one Child Life Therapist, and her position was initially seed-funded by the Foundation. She supports approximately 2,000 children each year, with 63% of them being children under the age of six.
Expanding the CLT service will increase the number of children who can be assisted with the professional emotional and psychological support they need to cope with medical assessments, treatments, and procedures.
What is a Child Life Therapist?
Child Life Therapists use play-based, age-appropriate methods to help children understand and cope with the medical environment, reducing stress and anxiety. This not only improves the healthcare experience but also decreases the need for sedation and leads to better long-term health outcomes.
Benefits of Child Life Therapy
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Helps children and families feel more at ease, improving cooperation and reducing complications.
- Improve Health Outcomes: Decreases the need for sedation, helping with shorter stays and faster recoveries.
- Support Long-Term Well-being: Helps children develop positive coping skills, setting the foundation for better mental health.
- Enhance Family Engagement: Families feel more involved in their child’s care, fostering a stronger relationship with healthcare providers.
“I am in awe of the incredibly hard-working and dedicated hospital staff who do their best to care for the children who come through their doors. Every donation, no matter the size, will go toward supporting these amazing staff, as well as children and their carers, by providing funding for another Child Life Therapist,” said Dr Megan Grace.
Several Chain Reaction riders have had the chance to meet the hospital’s Child Life Therapist and hear about some of the children and their families she has supported in her first few years at the hospital.
“Chain Reaction 2025 bike ride has already helped me achieve personal goals, and meeting Meenu and The Common Good Team was certainly one of these,” said Brett Wallwork from Brighton Homes.
“Having the unfortunate experience of our child requiring numerous hospital visits at a young age, I can see the positive outcomes that Meenu provides in her role – not only for the children but also for guiding the parents through the challenges they face.
“It is great to be part of the Chain Reaction Ride to support charities like The Common Good and to raise both awareness and support this amazing cause to assist children and families when needed in the hospital”.
To make a donation to the 2025 Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge and help support an expanded Child Life Therapy program at The Prince Charles Hospital, click here.
