Families unite for HeartKids

FAMILIES will unite in Torquay next weekend for the HeartKids Two Feet and a Heartbeat Walk, hitting the pavement to raise money and awareness for childhood heart disease.

Taking place at Elephant Walk on October 27, the walk and market is a chance for HeartKid families in the community to stay connected, while raising much needed funds for research.

HeartKids mum and event organiser Hannah Pearl, whose daughter was born with a congenital heart condition, said she volunteered to organise the walk because she felt there were no other events where she could meet HeartKid families.

“It’s good to have friends and meet people that are going through the same thing as what you are because they understand.

“I’m actually looking forward to meeting other families on the day and being able to hear their story and being able to support each other.”

This year marks the events return to the region, with the most recent walk held in Mount Duneed during 2022.

 

 

The four-kilometre walk signifies the four lives lost each week to childhood-onset heart disease.

Everybody who participates in the walk will receive a coloured flag representing why they’re walking; blue for participating Heart Kids, red for Hear Kid supporters, friends and family and white in honour of Heart Angels.

Ms Pearl said it’s important to tell people how many children are affected by the heart condition and show that there’s disabilities others can’t see.

“There’s so many people out there that don’t know we exist, cause there’s no way to

contact them.

“It’s really hard to explain that you can’t see when something’s wrong with someone on

the inside.”

As part of the market following the walk, kids will be well entertained with an animal farm, photo booth, CFA, face painting and more.

Ambulance Victoria will also be at the market, something that was important for Ms Pearl.

“I’m so excited about that because a lot of our kids travel in scary times and I really wanted them to see an ambulance in non-scary times.”

Registrations for the walk are still open and will be available on the day.

For more information, head to twofeetheartbeat.org.au/Geelong