Gibb trek casualty

In a tragic irony, a woman taking part in a Kimberley cycling event raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service was flown to hospital by the RFDS after suffering a heart attack.

Vlasta Hart, 49, was representing the West Kimberley Regional Prison team the Derby Dawgz, who were competing in the 2013 Gibb River Challenge on Sunday.

The group was fundraising for the RFDS and the Derby Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).

She reportedly collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while competing in the event.

Bystanders resuscitated her before she was rushed to Derby Hospital.

Ms Hart was flown to Royal Perth Hospital aboard the RFDS Rio Tinto Life Flight Jet accompanied by a medical team on Monday in a critical condition.

Her friend Genevieve Russ, who is a DAWG representative, said Ms Hart was a keen “fitness fanatic” who led an active lifestyle.

“She was training very hard for the Gibb River Challenge and I was shocked to hear of her collapse,” Ms Russ said.

“She is a vivacious woman and this has come completely out of the blue.

“DAWG is deeply saddened to hear of her accident and are hoping for her speedy recovery.”

Ms Hart, who works at the prison, was described by colleagues in Derby as a fitness enthusiast who regularly attended gym classes.

“She would often run to the gym, do class then run home again,” a colleague said.

The Gibb River Challenge is a five-day, 700km cycling event along the Gibb River Road through El Questro Wilderness Park. The group left Derby at 6am Sunday and is due to finish today.

Entrants pledged to raise $300,000 for the RFDS.

Shire of Derby West Kimberley president Elsia Archer said the medical emergency was in “extremely sad circumstances”.

Ms Hart’s condition was described as critical when the Broome Advertiser contacted Royal Perth Hospital on Monday.