UPDATE: A record-breaking turnout of 1,000 participants gathered at Burswood Park in Perth on Sunday for the annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk, supporting families affected by childhood-onset heart disease. This year’s event has already raised $120,000 before its official start, demonstrating unparalleled community support.
This urgent event is crucial as eight babies are born each day in Australia with congenital heart defects, and tragically, four young lives are lost weekly to this condition. The funds raised will be directed toward enhancing accessibility to vital support services provided by the charity, HeartKids.
“I can see it going up,” said Shelley Ure, the charity’s fundraising and events coordinator. “That’s our biggest event yet. It was just amazing.” The enthusiasm from participants was palpable, as families who have benefited from HeartKids’ services united to give back.
Among the participants was Tegan Paulo, who shared a heartfelt testimony about her son Archer, diagnosed with a 7mm ventricular septal defect at just six weeks old. “It’s horrible with anyone but when it’s kids, it’s 10 times worse,” she expressed, fighting back tears. Archer underwent open-heart surgery at four months old and now, at age nine, he proudly opened the walk, sharing his dreams of running a reptile park.
“HeartKids was what got us through,” Ms. Paulo highlighted, emphasizing the critical emotional support the charity provided during their darkest days.
Also present was Mitch McGovern, an Australian rules football star and charity ambassador, who expressed his admiration for the overwhelming community support. “I’m just trying to help spread that word,” he stated, reflecting on the personal loss of a friend who succumbed to a heart condition at 18.
The event’s location at Burswood Park proved to be perfect, as passersby showed interest in the cause. “Families who have benefited return each year to give back,” Ure noted, highlighting the ongoing impact of HeartKids’ support work.
HeartKids, established in 1979, remains the only charity of its kind in Australia, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this devastating condition. The increased turnout this year signals a growing awareness and commitment from the community to support those in need.
As the walk concluded, the continuous support from the community was evident, with families united in their mission to raise awareness and funds for childhood heart disease. What happens next? The funds raised will be pivotal in expanding HeartKids’ outreach and ensuring that families receive the necessary support during their most challenging times.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments surrounding HeartKids and their ongoing efforts to support families in need.
