Back on the Bike to Support Women’s College Hospital: Metals & Mountains Raises $80,000!

At Women’s College Hospital Foundation (WCHF), we are grateful for the generosity of community members like Tierney Courage and Andrew Bradbury, who fundraised in support of the many vital healthcare services provided by the hospital. 

The couple’s annual cycling event, Metals & Mountains, returned for its second year on September 30, 2023, and raised $80,000 – over three times the amount raised by the inaugural Metals & Mountains in 2022. 

“We couldn’t have predicted the response we received with this year’s event. We set some modest targets in terms of participation and fundraising, and we far exceeded both. We were beyond overwhelmed.” 

Andrew Bradbury

Tierney and Andrew were inspired to create the event in 2022 after they received care at Women’s College Hospital (WCH). The couple was recovering from the loss of a baby during pregnancy, and their care team at WCH played a significant role in helping them through such a difficult time. 

“Women’s College is a special place, and that came through in the compassionate care we received,” says Tierney. “We believe strongly in what they do as an organization, making a significant difference in many people’s lives, and we’re happy to continue our support because the need is ongoing.” 

Tierney and Andrew wanted to combine their love for cycling, their appreciation for the scenic Blue Mountains area and their desire for a new event supporting Women’s College Hospital Foundation.  

Andrew, who works in the mining industry, believed his company and industry would be quick to support such an important cause and the event’s name was born – “Metals & Mountains.” Andrew’s company, Orla Mining, got behind the event immediately, and partner companies Stifel and Cassels joined as lead sponsors. The first Metals & Mountains was such a wonderful success that plans were quickly put into motion for a second event in 2023. 

Flash forward a year, and September 30, 2023 proved to be an ideal day for the second annual Metals & Mountains. Starting at Tierney and Andrew’s property, cyclists were challenged by 45 or 90 km routes through the beautiful Blue Mountains countryside. The sun was shining, the weather was mild and the vibrant colours of autumn made for a picturesque backdrop. 

“Everyone came with such amazing enthusiasm and we had really great rides,” says Tierney. “We were also glad to partner with local businesses to provide the food and the beverages. The amount of engagement and support we’ve received from everyone has been remarkable, and I’m getting emotional just talking about it.” 

Tierney and Andrew have many reasons to be emotional – especially since they are expecting a new addition to their family in November.  

“Thinking about our trajectory leading up to the creation of this event and me now expecting a baby, it feels like everything has come full circle for us,” says Tierney. 

Although next year’s event is still many months away, Tierney and Andrew are already planning for Metals & Mountains 2024. 

“We want to take the momentum from this year and see how we can build upon it,” says Andrew. “Based on the positive feedback we’ve been getting from the community, we see there’s an appetite for this event and we want to increase the participation and fundraising impact. We’re excited to bring Metals & Mountains back next year.”