From knee replacement to crossing the finish line
People from all over the Ballarat area gave up their Sunday morning to help support children in need.
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However the support has extended across the state to Gippsland, where a family has made the trek to help out as much as they can.
Lorel Donnelly along with some of her daughters and granddaughters made the trip to Ballarat to participate in the 5 kilometre North Ballarat Sports Club Family Walk.
“We understand the struggle Ballarat children are going through because we face the same in Gippsland,” she said.
“When I saw an add for this on TV I called up some of my daughters and granddaughters and said 'lets do something as a family, to help a family in Ballarat.”
Mrs Donnelly knew this wouldn’t be an easy task, as she has only recently recovered from a knee replacement.
It was only through the support of her family that she was able to cross the finish line.
“It was really amazing, I've got a great physio and he gave me the all clear to participate, so I'm really rapped.”
The sheer amount of community support and community spirit she witnessed throughout the day blew Mrs Donnelly away.
Participants all over the event have already said they can’t wait for next years event, which they expect to be even bigger and better.
Sir Phillip fights through a medieval test of endurance
Looking from the outside, Run for a Cause seemed pretty tame. Thousands of participants putting in their best foot forwards in an effort to raise money for a very important cause.
But as you looked closer, you may have heard the click-clack of horse shoes and clanging on armour. That was Phil Leitch and his trusty squire Matthew Keating.
Running in 35 kilograms of armour is about as easy as it sounds, but Mr Leitch was all smiles after his unique experience.
“I had never run this sort of distance in the armour before,” he said.
“Being able to get out on such a beautiful day and get involved with a wonderful cause like this is always a fantastic experience.”
Mr Keating galloped alongside Mr Leitch throughout his five kilometre journey, along with their trusty steed, two coconuts mimicking the sound of trotting.
“It certainly helps, I could listen to the sweet sweet sound of hoof beats as I jogged along.”
Crossing the finish line in just over 50 minutes, Mr Leitch was pleasantly surprised by his efforts.
“I was aiming for anything less than an hour and a half. You can only run so far at a time before the lactic acid build up in your legs from all the weight forces you to stop. I was trying to run about 20 percent of the time, so I'm just glad I finished.”
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