Key Facts:
· Tour de Kids is Starlight's epic national cycling challenge
· The challenge officially starts TODAY and runs until the 31st October
· Cyclists of all ages and abilities across Australia are invited to ride the distance for sick kids
· This year, Starlight is aiming to raise $750,000 to support over 19,000 seriously ill children and their families
· It's not too late to sign up – simply head to tourdekids.org.au to register today
Starlight Children's Foundation (Starlight) is encouraging Australians around the country to join the ride that gives back this October, for its annual Tour de Kids virtual cycling challenge.
The challenge aims to raise $750,000 to deliver happiness to over 19,000 seriously ill children and their families across Australia.
Tour de Kids is the ride that gives back, not only to participants but to sick kids. While riders enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being active, their fundraising efforts will support Starlight's vital hospital programs for seriously ill children and their families, including Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to clock up their kilometres in any way that suits them. Whether it be a weekend cycle, leisurely family bike ride, cycling to work or in a spin class, every kilometre helps bring happiness to sick kids in need.
Seven-year-old Harper is an active child who loves being outside and riding her bike. So, it came as a huge shock when mum Katrina noticed her daughter was suddenly in pain and unable to walk. During a trip to emergency, doctors ordered numerous swab and blood tests to try and find out what was causing her to be so unwell.
When there were still no clear answers, doctors arranged an MRI which revealed that Harper had osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone in her hip. While already dealing with one diagnosis, the family was hit with the news that Harper had also developed sepsis a potentially life-threatening blood infection. Harper was immediately put on intravenous antibiotics to fight the infections that were spreading through her body.
It was at this point the family discovered the Starlight Express Room at Monash Children's Hospital and Katrina said it made the world of difference to their stay. "Starlight let Harper just be a kid again. Being in hospital can feel like your whole world has stopped, Starlight brings back some 'normal life' during those really stressful times."
Supported by professional Australian Triathletes Craig Alexander and Emma Jeffcoat, Rugby League legend Sam Thaiday and celebrity cook Hayden Quinn, Tour de Kids encourages all Australians to get active for a good cause.
Starlight's Digital Campaign and Experience Manager Evan Jackson said: "At Starlight, we believe that being in hospital shouldn't mean missing out on the fun of childhood. That's why Starlight exists - to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families, turning pain and fear into fun, laughter and joy."
"This year, we've decided to hold the challenge throughout the month of October, which means participants will get an extra day to go the extra mile and fundraise for seriously ill children and their families. So, hop on your bike, get active and join the ride that gives back!"
Fundraisers will be rewarded for their efforts with exclusive merchandise including an official Tour de Kids Santini cycling jersey, sports socks and sweat band, a champion's medal, cooling towel, collapsible cup, exclusive VIP t-shirt and more. There is also an Ultimate Cycling Pack (RRP $1,404) up for grabs for the highest individual fundraiser, and a $3,000 voucher for the highest fundraising team, both courtesy of BikeChain.
Tour de Kids is proudly supported by major sponsor Santini and event partners 99 Bikes, Bikesportz, Ampol, Zwift, BikeChain and Medals Australia.
Founded in 2001, Tour de Kids was the first ever charity bike ride in Australia. Since its inception, participants have raised over $11.5 million supporting more than 294,000 sick kids and their families.
Registrations are now open and participants can sign up as an individual or team and ride the distance any time between 1 - 31 October 2025.
