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The Bike 4 Burns story

Entering its 20th anniversary year in 2026, Bike 4 Burns has proudly raised over $1.1 million for the Children’s Hospital Foundation to help fund burn technology research, development and support programs such as Burns Camps.

The concept of the bike ride originally embraced the proactive promotion of a healthy lifestyle by encouraging Queensland Fire Department (QFD) staff across Queensland with a passion for pedalling to come together for a very different tour of duty. Since its inception in 2006, 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 QFD and other emergency services.

"As Commissioner of Queensland Fire Department (QFD), I’m proud to continue the legacy of the Bike 4 Burns charity ride. Entering its 20th year in 2026, the event has raised substantial funding for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, supporting burn research, equipment and patient care.

Since its inception, Bike 4 Burns has encouraged QFD staff to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Each year, 30 - 50 dedicated riders participate in the ride, uniting operational, volunteer and administrative sectors of QFD. In 2026, personnel from other emergency services will join the ride, which spans 7 days from May 12 to May 18.

Every year, it is the courage of burn patients - especially children enduring painful treatments - that inspires riders. I’m proud to support this incredible initiative and encourage your organisation to join us in supporting the riders in 2026, as the team pedal in support of young burn victims."

Commissioner Smith, Queensland Fire Department

Supporting kids like Charlie

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.

In a second Charlie managed to pull a deep fryer that was seemingly out of harms reach off the surface, pouring boiling hot oil over himself. Charlie’s mum - Samantha - jumped into action hurrying 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, 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 and 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 nine - is a very happy little boy who is a keen soccer player, swimmer, martial artist and bike rider.