Our story

Entering its 18th year in 2024, Bike 4 Burns has to date proudly raised over $966,100 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, to specifically put towards burn technology research and development.

The concept of the bike ride originally embraced the proactive promotion of a healthy lifestyle by encouraging Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) staff across Queensland with a passion for pedalling to come together for a very different tour of duty. Since its inception in 2007, Bike 4 Burns has become a popular ritual with a dedicated group of between 30 - 50 employees taking to the road each year.

This ride brings together operational staff, volunteers and administration sectors of QFES and other emergency services.

"I am delighted that seasoned and new riders are taking to the road for this annual cycle challenge. I applaud the physical efforts and enthusiasm of all cyclists who volunteer their time from their usual employment to improve their own exercise regimes, and simultaneously work towards easing the pain and suffering endured by burn patients.

Now well into it’s second decade, the Bike 4 Burns team are also joined by personnel from other emergency services, and together they summon the determination and courage to pedal from Gladstone to Brisbane over 7 days. While admirable, this is far surpassed by the determination and courage of those children affected by burns injuries, who brave numerous operations to continually stretch their skin as their little bodies grow. The riders remind me that it is the least they can do to help out and give back to the community."

Greg Leach, Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Our ambassador

Charlie was a very active and inquisitive toddler and enjoyed exploring the world around him. On an ordinary day in September, just before his first birthday, Charlie’s curiosity caused him to have a terrible accident.

A deep fryer was cooking away seemingly out of harms’ reach, when in a second Charlie managed to pull it off the surface, pouring boiling hot oil over himself. Charlie’s mum, Samantha, jumped into action rushing the toddler into the shower until an ambulance arrived to rush him to Queensland Children’s Hospital.

When Charlie arrived at hospital, he underwent emergency surgery on his burns, where surgeons worked hard to dress his burns and reduce any long-term damage to his fragile, soft skin.

Charlie spent 39 excruciating days in hospital where he underwent 11 operations for skin grafting and painful dressing changes, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, scar management, garment fitting and intense pain management.

As Charlie grows, he will require treatment to stretch the scars left on his tiny body as well as physiotherapy. Even though he is now at home, he still endures injections and regular therapy to help reduce the thickness of his scars.

Despite his devastating and horrific accident, Charlie, now eight, is a very happy little boy who is a keen soccer player, swimmer, martial artist and bike rider.