ARMSTRONG Hosts Heartfelt Tribute To Children With Congenital Heart Disease
On Sunday October 23rd, Armstrong is proudly hosting the Two Feet and a Heartbeat Charity Walk and Community Market for HeartKids. Weather permitting, hundreds of feet will be pounding the pavements and walking tracks at Armstrong to raise money and awareness for the organisation.
The event has been put together over several months by Hannah Pearl, whose daughter Madison was born with the debilitating congenital heart condition. It’s been a lot of work for the busy mum, but knowing how much support is needed, she quickly raised her hand when asked to organise the event for the second time.
HeartKids is the only national not-for-profit organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood heart disease, one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia. Their mission is to give every child a fighting chance of leading a long and fulfilling life and be recognised as the leader in the fight to conquer childhood onset heart disease in Australia.
“Next Sunday will be an emotional and uplifting day for everyone living with the challenging condition, past and present, parents and kids,” Hannah says, “The event will begin with a 4km walk around Armstrong Creek in honour of the four lives lost very week to congenital heart disease. Walkers can also choose to do 8km in honour of the eight babies born each day with CHD.
“Every day eight families join our community and every week four young lives are lost. We walk to honour our Heart Angels and to pay tribute to the strength of our HeartKids. Just as importantly, we aim to provide support for those who love and care for children living with the disease, by allowing them to connect with others who may be able to help. The reason I wanted to have the event at Armstrong this year was to enjoy the beautiful creek and surrounds here, but also to host a community market after the walk. A chance for people to get together for coffee and a chat with other ‘Heart Families’ as I call them. Families will be able to relax and have some fun, with a petting farm, sausage sizzle, stalls and food vans, live music and entertainment from Dazzling Dan the magician. 10% of all proceeds from stallholders will be donated to HeartKids.”
“We’ll also be holding a memorial for our Heart Angels and parents who have lost their children, with a red rose gifted for each child. Parents will be able to attach a name label to the rose for their little angel and there will be a reading to honour them. Our hope is that the group will be able to connect and support one another as they remember their loved ones.”
Villawood Properties has kindly gifted the land behind Club Armstrong to hold the event and also provides sponsorship for the cause through a community grant. All are welcome to join the walk in support of the HeartKids community and to raise awareness for congenital heart disease.
To register for the Two Feet and a Heartbeat Charity Walk or find out how to donate, visit twofeetheartbeat.org.au. The event is on this Sunday 23rd October, from 9.00am to 2.00pm at Armstrong Park.
