Walk to help others walk

For children living with Cerebral Palsy, the simple act of walking can be a hard one, and the Lions Clubs NZ Mobility Foundation is committed to helping as many children as possible achieve the goal of walking.

The foundation raises money to pay for Hart Walkers, mobility devices designed by a medical engineer which provide hands-free mobility, allowing children the opportunity to experience walking, often for the first time in their lives.

Each Hart Walker costs NZ$9,850 and receives no government funding in New Zealand. The cost includes shipment, equipment, two clinics and the first pair of boots. Families are invoiced for costs after that and clinic fees are NZ$75 a visit. The cost of boots and repairs are additional. Lions Clubs to date have rallied behind 150 Hart Walkers being donated in New Zealand.

As a fundraiser for the foundation, Lions Clubs around the country are hosting 10-10-10 walks this Saturday, the 10th day of the 10th month. The walks are all based on tracks measuring 10kms (although participants are welcome to do less than the total distance).

Taranaki people have a choice of events in the area for the event.

The Eltham, Kaponga, Opunake and Pungarahu Lions Clubs are holding their event at the Sandford Event Centre, Opunake. President of the Eltham Lions Club, Matthew McDonald, says spot prizes will be given out during the event, and he encourages peope to come along and have a go. "It is supporting a fantastic inititative, that really makes a difference to young people in New Zealand. Walking is such an easy thing to do for many of us, and the money raised from this event will help young people living with Cerebral Palsy experience the freedom of walking as well."

Walkers can choose to pay a $10 entry fee or can ask friends and family to sponsor them to complete the walk, with all money going to the Lions Clubs NZ Mobility Foundation.

"Every dollar donated will go a long way in making a difference to a childs life. In addition, the event is a fun family event that everyone can enjoy." Matthew says he hopes to see lots of people at the start line on the day and encourages would-be-walkers to contact him on 027 481 4648 for more details.

The eight North Taranaki Lions Clubs are also running a 10-10-10 event at the TET Stadium in Inglewood. Organiser Pat Julian says they are aware not everyone will want or be able to complete a 10km walk, so they are making it a fun walk, where people can choose how many laps they actually do. With free face painting for children, a Gelato van selling ice cold treats and the New Plymouth Koru Lions Club selling cupcakes on the day, there is a guaranteed fun family feel to the day he says.

Get involved: Sandford Event Centre. Opunake. Starting at 10am, Saturday October 10. Contact Matthew McDonald for more information. 027 481 4648. TET Stadium Inglewood, 9am Start, Saturday, October 10. Contact Pat Julian on 06 756 7590 for more details.