Participants paused to take a snap in front of the Rochy silos before taking off on the walk. Photo: Supplied
About $2700 was raised through the Rochy Two Feet and a Heartbeat walk in honour of families affected by childhood onset heart disease.
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The event was held on Sunday, October 13, and was organised by Rochester resident and HeartKids ambassador River Powles, along with his family.
The goal was to raise awareness and funds for HeartKids, a charity dedicated to supporting children with CoHD and their families in Australia.
Carly, River, Chance, Justice and Troy Powles with Billy the dog. Photo: Supplied
According to young River’s grandma Cheryl White, the event was well supported by the community.
“We had a great community response, in particular from all the businesses around Rochester that were able to support us,” she said.
“We had great attendance with lots of children on bikes and walking and it was just a great day for awareness.
“From our point of view, we really don’t run it for ourselves, we run it for the awareness.”
About 100 participants gathered on the day from Rochester and surrounding communities.
The day started off at 8.30am with a welcome to country and a prayer for children who have lost their battle with CoHD.
Two Feet and a Heartbeat participants big and small gathered early on October 13 to raise awareness for childhood onset heart disease. Photo: Supplied
Participants then set off on a 4km walk around the Campaspe River, in honour of the four lives lost each week to CoHD.
There was also the option to walk 8km in honour of the eight babies born each day in Australia with a heart defect.
Mrs White said the event also allowed them to connect with other families in the region who had been impacted by CoHD.
“It has really brought to light how many other familyies within the region are impacted and supported by HeartKids,” she said.
“For us, it’s about getting to know them and hearing their journeys.”
Similar events were held in more than 30 other locations between October 12 and October 27 in support of HeartKids.
A total of $451,233 was raised across Australia, exceeding the HeartKids goal of $450,000.
The Powles family would like to thank district businesses for their support, in particular Rochester Lions Club, Mum and Me Coffee, Cafe Rochester, Criterion Hotel, Milkshake Lane, Cottam’s Family Butchers, Rochester Tavern, Rochester Bakery, Rochester Sportspower, Majors Supermarket and Rochester Motel.
A special thanks also to HeartKids, Sanjay Ranchhold from SR Health, Cheryl White, Jac Rasmussen, Tracey Kyne, Jim Brooks, Ben Fraiser, Cath Elms and Meagan Keating.
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