LITTLE Nate Primmer can sometimes spend up to months at a time in hospital.
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The two-year-old has Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that can create profound muscle weakness. He was diagnosed at seven months old.
Nate travels to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne once a fortnight for treatment, but most of his hospital time is in Ballarat Health Services’ Base Hospital children’s ward.
His story touched television presenter Gorgi Coghlan, who toured the ward to launch her second year as Run Ballarat ambassador.
The mass participation running and walk event for all ages raises money for a much-needed children’s ward redevelopment to help make the ward a friendlier, modern environment.
“I think every parent has a special place in their heart for a family with a child in hospital,” Ms Coghlan said. “It’s something we don’t ever want to experience ourselves, and by participating in an event that’s easy and fun we can help make their experience just that little bit easier.”
The Project host said the event was an easy, fun way to help people get fit leading into summer – and people could feel good that every dollar from registrations goes directly to Base children’s ward.
There were plenty of support initiative to help start training, including CottonON Body’s Run Girl Run Club led by Ballarat personal trainer Lilly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Plus, the weather was starting to warm up and the days are getting longer.
Run Ballarat has introduced a new three-kilometre Pursuit of Happiness run or walk in addition to the 12km and 6km runs, 6km family walk and popular children’s 1km dash.
A bigger and better events precinct will this year move to North Gardens by Lake Wendouree with a new start and finish line. Participants in the 6km and 12km events will take a new course by Lake Wendouree and under the Arch of Victory.
Australian singer-songwriter and 2015 X-Factor winner Cyrus will headline the post-race live entertainment that will also feature local artists.
Run Ballarat has raised more than $750,000 for the children’s ward since its first event in 2012.
Run Ballarat is on Sunday, October 23. To register: runaustralia.com.au.
