Cyclist pedalling 24 hours to support Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

May 5, 2020 | 2:58 PM

An avid local cyclist is putting his passion to use in support of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

Jason Ezeard is riding his bike for a total of 24 hours – 12 hours on Tuesday and 12 more on Wednesday – from his garage in Innisfail to help raise funds for the foundation.

The 32-year-old Charlottetown, PEI native says wheels for the idea began turning in his head last month.

“Geraint Thomas, who won the Tour de France in 2018, decided to do a virtual three-day, 12-hour-a-day session. So I said that’s pretty cool, maybe I could try to do two days and see how much money we could raise for the health foundation.”

Ezeard, who is a manager with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, says he biked for at least an hour or two each day in April to train for the event.

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“My diet definitely wasn’t as good as it should have been leading up to this,” he joked, noting it’s sometimes hard to stay focused while pedaling for 12 straight hours.

“Around the three-hour mark this morning I was thinking ‘oh my goodness, I still have nine more hours to go.’ It’s hard to overcome that hurdle and get back on track and enjoy it.”

Ezeard says the cause is an easy one for him to support.

“I have a lot of family that is in front-line healthcare in Ontario and PEI, and because I work at the foundation it’s a case that’s close to home. The 12 hours (each day) kind of represents a health worker’s shift.”

Ezeard has already sailed well past his goal of raising $2,000 for the foundation.

“I had no idea what to expect… especially with the economy right now. But our posts are being shared and the money is coming in, it’s been great.”

Those wishing to donate can do so online by clicking here.

You can also watch a live feed of Ezeard’s bike riding via YouTube.

by Troy Gillard

Cyclist pedalling 24 hours to support Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

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