The Seventh Annual Bob Probert Ride is set to raise money to expand cardiac wellness programs into Essex County.
Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital VP Bill Marra says they are currently looking to Tecumseh and Lakeshore for a satellite location of the rehabilitation and wellness centre.
"We narrowed it down to that area just based on an assessment of our patients, where they are being referred from. There is a significant population in east Windsor, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, and even the Town of Essex and we think that catchment area deserves a satellite location," says Marra.
Over the last seven years the ride has raised $647,218.24 for cardiac care in the city and county.
Probert's wife, Dani Probert, says they wanted to turn the tragedy of her husband's death into something positive for her family and the community.
"Bob passed away on July 5, 2010 of a massive heart attack. For us to raise money for cardiac care, and we've had some loved ones in the past couple of years who are going through the same thing, it's so tragic. With that tragedy we wanted to turn this around and find something positive and for my kids it's something positive for us to focus on and be a part of," says Probert.
This year's ride is on Sunday June 25, 2017. The route has been altered a little this year and includes stops at the Fort, Colchester Bar and Grill, Wolfhead Distillery, and the Caboto Club. Each year the event attracts around 1,000 participants. This year's ride captain is former NHL player Dave Hutchison.
