Inaugural ride builds support for vital rheumatoid arthritis research
Ulysses Club members with Kolling rheumatoid arthritis researchers
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. The ride was an initiative of Robert Hunt from the Ulysses Club which has been supporting rheumatoid arthritis research for nearly three decades. 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.
Leading rheumatologist Professor Lyn March said the club has been a long-time supporter of the Sutton Arthritis Lab and we’re tremendously grateful that the ride has drawn attention to the condition and raising funds. “Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects over 500,000 Australians,” she said. “It causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints. “It can be a life limiting illness, causing pain, reducing function and mobility.”
“Game changing steps take significant investment and expertise, and we’re indebted to the Ulysses Club members for embarking on this ride and
fostering large-scale community support.”
All funds go directly towards rheumatoid arthritis research, including a PhD scholarship at the Kolling Institute. Professor March encouraged the community to get behind the club. Head of the Sutton Arthritis Research Lab in the Kolling Associate Professor Meilang Xue expressed her gratitude to the club members. “This is a heartwarming initiative by an amazing group of people who’ve supported research and students for over 25 years. They have raised more than $500,000 through the Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund since 1997.”
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.
As a leading clinician and internationally respected
researcher, Professor March said while many people manage well on current medications, improved options are needed.
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