AS the head of La Trobe University's Bendigo campus, Rob Stephenson is used to tackling some pretty daunting challenges.
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But some of those may pale in comparison to that which awaits him in March.
Mr Stephenson will pedal 600 kilometres along the Great Ocean Road as part of the second Tour de Transplant.
The six-day ride, from Warrnambool to Melbourne, is an initiative of the Heart and Lung Transplant Trust (Victoria) Inc.
It aims to raise funds for The Alfred hospital in Melbourne to help transplant recipients with their second chance at life.
As university students in Bendigo make the most of their summer break, Mr Stephenson has been hitting the roads around Bendigo in preparation for his epic ride.
His introduction to the event and the great work done by the Alfred's transplant unit came through the university sponsorship of the inaugural Tour de Transplant last year.
“The Tour de Transplant has particular relevance for La Trobe, as both a leading University in the Health Sciences field and the leading provider of university education to regional Victorians”, Mr Stephenson said.
“While working with the team during the 2014 event, I became aware of just how great the need was for this supported accommodation, and the impact that the funds raised can have on people from our regional communities, including some of our own students and their families.
“It is a tragedy if the potential accommodation cost causes anyone to hesitate in taking a second chance at life.”
The Alfred, located in Prahran, is Australia's leading transplant hospital for both adults and children.
The hospital’s transplant units provide services to people from across Australia.
La Trobe University has a clinical teaching school at The Alfred.
The tour starts in Warrnambool on March 2, and concludes in Fawkner Park, opposite The Alfred, on March 6.
To support Mr Stephenson, visit : http://tourdetransplant2016.gofundraise.com.au/page/RobStephensonpage
