Taking huge steps for Skye

ORGANISERS behind an annual cause aimed at raising funds for Sanfilippo Syndrome research are getting their walking shoes ready for its return.

Throughout the month of August, Teghan Henderson will be one of more than 30 people walking 15,000 steps each day to raise money in support of the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation.

Ms Henderson started the campaign in 2020 with Bree Pellow to assist 13-year-old Skye, who was diagnosed with the disease nearly 10 years ago.

Working as a carer for Skye for the past eight years, Ms Henderson said she wanted to help make more of a difference in her life.

“The aim is to spread awareness and raise funds to hopefully find a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome,” she said.

“Bree and I always wanted to do something for Skye and during COVID, everyone was out walking so we thought why not do that for a reason.

“It’s a form of childhood dementia. Everyone sees dementia as just being in adults but it can actually be in children as well which is devastating.

“People need to be more aware of what it can do to children, especially Skye who’s in Ballarat, and the effects it can have on everyone involved in her life.”

The Steps for Skye cause has grown from 15 walkers in its first year to about 112 participants last year, and Ms Henderson said she hopes to see similar numbers or better next month.

Having reached $80,000 since its establishment including nearly $50,000 goal last year alone, she said the cause has gotten bigger and bigger since it began.

“It’s been awesome to see the community support behind this. It shows how much people love Skye,” she said.

“Her parents will be walking this month, all her carers, my family, cousins, there’s people from Skye’s school and her football netball club in Dunnstown. It’s a huge range of people this year.”

With weekly Sunday walks slated to take place at Lake Wendouree, the goal for this year’s fundraising cause is starting at $25,000.

To register for the fundraising walk or to donate, visit the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation’s Steps for Skye page.