Picture-perfect day arrives for Two Feet and a Heartbeat Geelong event

Organiser Hannah Pearl with husband Aiden and their three children Alexander, Madison and Sophia. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

HUNDREDS from across the region turned out for the HeartKids Charity’s Two Feet and a Heartbeat Walk and Community Market on Sunday in Mount Duneed.

There were dozens of community stalls with local businesses lining the park next to Bunjil’s Nest Playground on Armstrong Boulevard.

Red, white and blue flags could be found throughout the event to honour children who had passed away or have suffered from congenital heart diseases.

Geelong Cats player Tom Stewart and his wife Emma led the walk with their son Arthur, who was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) at birth.

The event was hosted by HeartKids mother and organiser, Hannah Pearl, who had spent months pulling the event together, juggling stallholders, organising permits and implementing COVIDSafe procedures.

Headlining the day, families in attendance gathered for an emotional walk that followed speeches and a Welcome to Country conducted by South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman.

Ms Pearl was taken aback by the number of people who came up to her on the day reinforcing the support that was evident on a day filled with heartache.

“I couldn’t believe it, it was just a beautiful day,” Ms Pearl said.

“Everything came together, the stallholders were amazing, and everyone was so supportive. I’ve had people coming up to me saying ‘I had a heart condition as a child’, introducing themselves and sharing their stories.

“Just being able to do this event means the world to me.”