The burble of high-powered motorcycles was heard across the Kolling Institute forecourt as part of a 2000 kilometre ride from Melbourne to Armidale to raise awareness and funds for life-changing research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ride is an initiative of Robert Hunt from the Ulysses Club which has been supporting rheumatoid arthritis research for nearly three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The late Stephen Dearnley established the club in 1983. His wife Jo had lived with the debilitating disease for more than 20 years. Today, the club has more than 120 branches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ulysses Club has donated funds to the Kolling Institute for over 15 years, consistently investing in our discovery and translational research into rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leading rheumatologist Professor Lyn March said the club has been a long-time supporter of the Sutton Arthritis Lab and we\u2019re tremendously grateful that this ride is drawing attention to the condition and raising funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects over 500,000 Australians,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt can be a life limiting illness, causing pain, reducing function and mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
As a leading clinician and internationally respected researcher, Professor March said while many people manage well on current medications, improved options are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cGame changing steps take significant investment and expertise, and we\u2019re indebted to the Ulysses Club members for embarking on this ride and fostering large-scale community support.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The Ride for Rheumatoid journey will wrap up in Armidale, where a national rally will be held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All funds from the ride will go directly towards rheumatoid arthritis research, including a PhD scholarship at the Kolling Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor March encouraged the community to get behind the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head of the Sutton Arthritis Research Lab in the Kolling Associate Professor Meilang Xue expressed her gratitude to the club members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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