Hospital Bed Run gets ready to roll

Employees don't often get to push their boss around, but Peoplecare chief executive Michael Bassingthwaighte was more than happy to let his staff push him down Flagstaff Hill on a hospital bed.The second annual Rotaract Hospital Bed Run will be held on Australia Day, and last year's runner-up - the team from Peoplecare - have already taken a gurney out for a practice go.On race day, Mr Bassingthwaighte will go from "patient" to one of four team members pushing the bed more than 100m towards the finish line in a bid to edge out last year's champions, Thomas and Coffey.Peoplecare is also the major sponsor of the event as well as the earlier Illawarra Aquathon at Belmore Basin."It's a good health-related activity and is fun at the same time," Mr Bassingthwaighte said yesterday.If the thrill of racing down Marine Dr on a hospital bed is not enough incentive for businesses and community groups to enter the challenge, the winning team members will each win a pass to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Entries are still open for teams of five wanting to compete in the challenge from 3.30pm.Rachael Lappin from Rotaract is hoping for at least nine teams."I encourage people to give it a go as it's fun and gives companies and community groups a great opportunity for exposure to a large audience," Ms Lappin said."It's for a good cause, and we're hoping to generate enough money for three new oximetry units and two non-invasive blood pressure probes, which Wollongong Hospital sorely needs to assist in monitoring lung function."Wollongong City Council events and functions co-ordinator Lee Cramer said she was looking forward to the return of the race."Participants and spectators had a wonderful time last year and I hope it will be just as successful in 2010," she said.Entry is $500 for businesses and $250 for community or not-for-profit groups.Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed team.