East Grampians Health Service chief executive officer, Nick Bush said both the lifting machine and the bladder scanner have been put to good use in the health service and have been well received by both staff, residents and patients at East Grampians Health Service."

East Grampians Health Service aged care manager ,Peter Armstrong said the lifting machine is a great help to the staff when assisting residents to be moved around and helped staff avoid work related injuries.

"It's a great device and will be most beneficial to residents and staff of Lowe Street," he said.

East Grampians Health Service inpatient unit manager Lorine Paterson said the new bladder scanner is a vital piece of equipment for the hospital.

"It has aided the clinical staff to access the bladder for urinary retention, so patients who have urinary problems don't need a catheter inserted," she said.

"Now this procedure can be simply done by ultra sound waves instead. This will avoid such problems as infection, pain, discomfort and make the whole experience much less stressful for everyone concerned."

Those who participated with last year's riding and fundraising were Charlie Reid, Millie Reid, Leonie Macdonald, Abe Macdonald, Tricia Connarty, Les Connarty, Kregan Connarty, Graeme Foster, Wayne Klauss, Alan Young, Mick Verdon, Sven O'Flynn, Jason Shipcott, Geoff Hately, Nick Carthew, Ben Studd. Support team and drivers were Owen Leggett, Les Ralph, Graeme Bull, Dianne Radford and Danny Drake.

Once again the riders were humbled by the generosity of the Ararat businesses and local community who willingly contributed and supported this fundraising event.

All were thrilled with the final result of more than $23,000 being raised and are now looking towards and planning the 2012 Relay which will be held on the weekend of March 31 and April 1.