Lace up your walking shoes because Friends of Palliative Care's 28th annual walkathon is coming up on Sunday, March 13, being held for the first time at the world-class Maitland Regional Athletics Centre.
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The walkathon is Friends of Palliative Care's biggest fundraiser on the calendar, and money raised will stay in the local area to directly support individuals with a life limiting illness or who are in end of life care.
President of Friends of Palliative Care, Montana Varley, said their organisation supports those needing care in many different ways.
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"We support individuals with financial assistance for chemist accounts, assist with the cost of medi-alarms and other vital equipment, and loan out hospital beds so individuals can return home from hospital if they choose to," Ms Varley said.
"We also delivered care packages to palliative patients throughout lockdown to help brighten their day, and we had lovely feedback from this so we have decided to continue."
The walkathon raised $28,000 in 2021, their biggest event ever, and Ms Varley said the funds went straight to setting up their hospital bed loaning program and sending nine local nurses and health workers to a palliative care conference.
The 2022 walkathon will begin in the morning with a 10km fun run, followed by a 5km fun run and a 5km walk, and the walk will be suitable for all ages and abilities.
Participants can complete as few or as many laps as they like for the walk, and the morning will finish with a raffle being drawn and a remembrance ceremony accompanied by the City of Maitland Pipes and Drums.
Ms Varley said it's important to support our region's palliative care because it will affect everyone at one time or another.
"End of life care is not an easy conversation to have, but unfortunately it is one we will all be involved in at some point whether it be our own, a family member's or friend's," she said.
The walkathon is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, wheelchairs, prams and walkers, and Friends of Palliative Care urge everyone in the community to attend and show their support.
"It;s such a wonderful, welcoming and fun event," Ms Varley said.
"If anyone is feeling apprehensive, I encourage them to reach out to one of our amazing committee members who can chat to you and keep an eye out for you on the day."
Ms Varley said it was a big shock when Walka Water Works closed just weeks out from the event, but that the team at Maitland City Council have been unbelievably accommodating.
"MRAC is a world-class facility that we are very excited to use, to bring local community members together to not only raise funds but to remember those who have gone before us and who are currently experiencing palliative care," she said.
"We would like to thank all of our event sponsors: Sharon Skelton/Ray White Maitland, Cants Construction, Penman Electrics, Dynamize, The Big Bearded Painter, Lantry Plumbing, Maitland Carpet Court and The Mutual."
Tickets for the walkathon can be purchased online here: Friends of Palliative Care Inc 28th Annual Walkathon & Fun Run.
Tickets for the online raffle can be purchased here: Friends Of Palliative Care Incorporated fundraising raffle.