Annual Spinathon fundraiser returns to marina in support of Albany Community Hospice

Albany Community Hospice supporters are gearing up for Spinathon 2024 with participants giving it their all to raise money through sponsorship by cycling for 24 hours.

The annual event, which is one of the biggest fundraisers for ACH, involves participants jumping on a spin bike on the Albany Marina foreshore near Haz Beanz from midday Saturday through to midday Sunday.

Some riders, including Tammy Bemben and her daughters Isabelle and Millie, will be setting out to ride the full 24 hours, while others will take turns in the saddle as part of a team.

ACH has set itself a goal of raising $24,000 this year, $1000 for each hour of the ride, but more than $34,000 was raised last year.

The gap between the funding ACH receives and the daily cost of a single bed at the hospice is about $285, meaning last year’s total covered the gap for about 120 one-day stays at the palliative care facility.

The spinathon is one of ACH’s biggest fundraising events along with the annual Footy Stars Weekend and its open garden program, which takes place every two years.

Those wishing to take part can still sign up and do as little as 30 minutes on a bike, or a few hours, or anything else up to the full 24 hours.

There will also be plenty of entertainment to encourage participants and their supporters to keep going during the event.

The Pepperjacks will provide live music from 2-4pm on Saturday, and there will be games set up for the whole family to enjoy.

To sign up or make a donation online go to https://bit.ly/3IkvdJS.