Sunday 25th October: Walk for Prems, Various Locations
1 Day, 11 Walks, 2 Runs and 100’s of Smiles
On Sunday, families gathered in 11 locations around Australia to participate in Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s annual Walk for Prems.
In its 6th year, the event raises awareness and funds so the charity can continue to provide vital services to Australian families who have infants born premature or sick. This year the event was held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Both Melbourne and Sydney also held a timed run for participants, with winners in mens’ and womens’ categories awarded medals. There were also 4 regional walks held in Bundaberg, Emerald, Hamilton and Tamworth.
In total over 3000 people walked, jogged or ran on the day to then enjoy a relaxing lunch together with children’s activities and entertainment. The walks provided families with an opportunity to come together to celebrate their own Little Treasures. For some it was also an opportunity to publicly commemorate their treasure who is now a little angel. Before the walk a flock of doves is released to honour these children.
Scarlett, this year’s Walk for Prems poster Ambassador walked the Albert Park course in Melbourne with her family. Nearly 10 years ago Scarlett was born at 28 weeks gestational age, weighing just 980 grams after her mother suffered eclamptic fit. Scarlett spent her first month in the NICU and then 2 more months in a Special Care Nursery with a further 18 months of outpatient care. Today Scarlett is a happy and healthy Year 5 student who was proud to be named this year’s Walk Ambassador. “Premature babies are cared for by the doctors and nurses in the NICU – and they do a great job,” says Scarlett. “But it’s important to look after the Mums and Dads, the brothers and sisters, and all the family and friends, too. That’s why Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is so important, and why we need to raise as much money as we can with the Walk for Prems,” says Shussanah Morris, Co-founder and CEO of the Foundation.
Report provided by: Samantha Tassie of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation.
Sunday 25th October: Maroubra Fun Run, NSW
Beginning at 9.30am, the start and finish of the Maroubra Fun Run on Sunday was in the beautiful Byrne Reserve – right on the magnificent Maroubra Beach – a surfing Mecca and home of the famous Bra Boys. This year there were 1,452 runners, walkers and wheel-chair racers who took part.
There was a solid incline along Malabar Road from the 1 to 2km marks. The water station at the top of that hill did good business as the sun was shining brightly. Racers enjoyed stunning views of the Sydney eastern beaches greeted the competitors towards the finish of the 4Km course.
The field was marched to the start line by the stirring sound of the St.George Scottish Pipe band and The Maroubra Oktoberfest Market stalls were in full swing as the runners left the park. The pipers also played out on the course to help pick people up when they were feeling a little weary.
Husband and wife team Chris & Greta Truscott took out the men’s and women’s blue ribbon 8km events, both winning by over a minute. That was a first in the 20 events we have staged. The athletic couple operate an online running program in the wonderful Centennial Park – a running Mecca.
South Coogee School narrowly beat their traditional rivals, Maroubra Junction PS, in the primary schools teams event. For winning they will receive a cash donation to their P & C.
In total 8,000 people attended the Oktoberfest. There was fantastic fun, food and refreshment for all the family. Camel rides were the feature attraction for the kids along with a host of amusements.Traditional German folk music and dancing continued all afternoon.
Valuable funds were raised for the South Maroubra Surf Club, the Rotary Club of Maroubra and the Lions Club of Maroubra. Here’s the final results:
- 8km Men’s: First: Chris Truscott 26.51, Second: Kevin O’Brien 28.08, Third: Philip Balnave 28.30
- 8km Women’s: First:Greta Truscott 30.56, Second: Bernadette Chisholm 32.58, Third: Cindy King 33.39
- 4km Men’s: First: Adam Booth 14.01, Second: Connor McGrath 14.15, Third: Charles McGrath 14.25
- 4km Women’s: First: Amy Sullivan 15.39, Second: Naomi Tancred 16.25, Third: Olivia Piazza 16.38
- Walk Men’s: First: Davor Zailic
- Walk Women’s: First: Adrienne Torda
- Wheel-chair race Men’s: First: Neil Mclennan
- Wheel-chair race Women’s: First: Melinda Harrison
- Teams: 4km: Damien’s Runners, 8km: The Dreamers, Primary Schools: South Coogee Public School, Secondary Schools: Randwick Girls High School.
Report provided by: Richard & Philip Walsh, Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest Directors.
