Kid’s rehab the drive behind new playground

Group effort: The Bendigo Ford Fun Run is seeking to raise money for a children’s rehabilitation space that’ll benefit young patients like Emalia Pinchbeck and Chloe Gardner. Photo: PETER WEAVING

IT’S time to get revved up with this year’s Bendigo Ford Fun Run set to take place in March and proceeds from the event are going towards the construction of outdoor rehabilitation play space at Bendigo Hospital.

At any one time over 100 children may be being treated by Bendigo Health’s rehab services with the planned play space to help support young patients by making therapy more exciting and engaging.

Christie Verbeek from the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service said the new playground is vital for a child’s recovery from serious injury and illness.

“We know that play is so important to a kids rehab journey,” she said.

“This offers the ability for therapists to meet with parents and kids in an accessible environment to complete their rehab sessions which is a lot more interesting to the kids.”

Sophie Gardner’s daughter Chloe has cerebral palsy and the pair can visit the Bendigo Hospital for therapy up to four times a week.

Ms Gardner said the play area is exactly what Chloe needs in her rehabilitation journey.

“This means she will be able to learn how to safely navigate playgrounds with her therapist,” she said.

“She was still only rolling at nine months of age, the last five months she has learned to crawl and in the last month she has started to stand independently.

“It’s perfect because she is ready to take steps now and will be ready to climb soon.”

Bendigo Ford Fun Run coordinator Nigel Preston is expecting a big turnout to this year’s event.

“We’ve got 800 people signed up so far,” he said. “Last year we had 1005 and we are definitely going to go above that, maybe even getting 1500 runners this year.”

Even better, people don’t have to run to contribute to the cause.

“Anyone can donate through the website with that money going straight to the hospital,” Mr Preston said.

The Bendigo Ford Fun Run is set for Sunday, March 5, with five, ten and 21-kilometre runs as well as a kids one-kilometre dash on offer.

To sign up or make a donation visit bendigofordfunrun.com.au.