Rob Hodgson

This year I'm beyond excited to be riding in the Australian Unity Tour de Brisbane to raise funds for life-changing transplant research. Without this research I wouldn't be here today, let alone back on my bike and participating in this incredible event. 

After living an exceptionally fit and healthy life, in 2020 I developed dilated cardiomyopathy and subsequent Ventricular Tachycardia from having Covid19, which eventually led to me needing a heart transplant. It was a complete shock for me, my wife Amanda and our two boys Lukin (11) and Arlo (8). We navigated a fairly traumatic two years of heart events, hospital stays and hoping the medication would work long enough that I wouldnt die before receiving my gift. 

Organ transplants save lives, but they also change lives in the most profound way. There was a time that I questioned if I'd ever get back on my beloved bike. Pre transplant I was riding 100km+ and the worse my condition got it was hard to believe I'd ever do it again. The trauma from my episodes and my deteriorating heart condition meant I'd pretty much sit in the same chair day in and day out while I waiting for 'that call'.  Amanda joked about staying focused and positive by telling me to think about the fact that one day I'd once again feel the wind in my hair on the bike (I'm completely bald lol). Thanks to my donor and their family, here I am again. They paid the biggest sacrifice and gave us the most important gift anyone could ever give. We can never repay them.

 By riding for transplant researchers and recipients, I am doing my bit to help those impacted to live healthier for longer. Donating to my ride helps researchers reach life-changing medical breakthroughs. 

In particular, the funds raised will help to continue research into organ transplants and related conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and ICU care. 

It costs just $48 to fund an hour of research with The Common Good, which means every dollar counts.

Im honoured to be riding the 2023 Tour de Brisbane and look forward to hopefully being there in person next year. This year I'll be riding on my trainer at home and live streaming it to raise awareness and funds to the important work the team at The Common Good do. 

Can you help me reach my goal and cheer me along? 

Thank you for taking the time to come to my page, read about The Common Good and consider contributing in whatever you can. Whether that be donate money or have the conversation with your family about your wishes for organ donation. 

See you 'on the road',

Rob