Media Release

After departing the WACA Ground in Perth on May 9 and cycling across the Nullarbor, Graham Manou and his determined team of riders will today arrive at the Adelaide Oval in completion of the gruelling 2010 Tour de Heart.

The quintet of Graham and good mates, Andrew Eime, Steve Busbridge, Andy Delmont and Sam Baida have battled a mice plague, torrential rain, strong head winds and long monotonous stretches of road to conquer the 2,700 km journey for the children of South Australia.

The team have cycled, without vehicle support, up to 170 kilometres per day, mostly camping on the side of the road in or near small towns to recoup each night.

The Tour de Heart, a Graham Manou Foundation annual event, has this year raised money to help children with serious heart conditions and their families  through HeartKids SA.

Upon embarking on the last leg of the epic journey today, Graham said it was by far his proudest Tour de Heart. 

“The past three weeks have been extremely challenging and there were times when we wondered whether we had bitten off more than we could chew– but never once did we consider giving up.  I’m enormously proud of my team – those riding with me and those back in Adelaide helping us make this happen,” he said.

“This ride is all about raising funds for South Australian children needing life-giving heart surgery and their families, and we thank each and every person who has so generously donated.”

State manager of HeartKids SA, Kerry Southwell, praised the efforts of the team.

“We are thrilled the Graham Manou Foundation has chosen HeartKids SA as their beneficiary – this means that we will be able to provide more much-needed support to our critically ill children.”

“Graham and his Tour de Heart team have gone above and beyond to raise awareness of children suffering from heart disease through their epic bike ride.  HeartKids SA is extremely grateful for their dedication and passion to our cause.”

HeartKids SA supports children with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families.  Graham has chosen HeartKids so that he can help with the huge financial burden placed on families to access their child’s life-saving medical treatment.

Further information about the Graham Manou Foundation and the 2010 Tour de Heart can be found at www.grahammanoufoundation.com.au.