12 April 2011

More than 150 people turned up to support our inaugural Melbourne 'Put your foot down' walk along the beautiful foreshore at Sandringham Beach on Sunday 10th April. Melbourne's renowned unreliable weather threatened to cancel our first Victorian event, but thankfully to the relief of one and all, the skies cleared on the morning. Hawthorn players Jarryd Morton and Jack Mahoney, helped the crowd get ready for the walk by doing some warm up exercises.  Garvan Researcher Amber Johns spoke passionately about the need for research and the work the Garvan is doing in this field.

A big thank you to all who took part in the walk and got into the spirit of the event by dressing creatively in purple. Several noted that there was a special atmosphere there on that cool Autumn morning - an atmosphere that was created by the supportive, encouraging participants - wanting and willing it to be a success.

Thanks to all the companies and individuals that generously donated products, prizes and services for the walk. Donors included: Kraft, Coca-Cola Amatil, Woolworths, Dan Murphys, Red Jelly, Wellcom, Mr Beak's Sausages, The O Kitchen, Conquest Sports, Highlight Cleaning Services and Vicky Papas. The support of all of these companies and individuals mean that costs are kept to a minimum and more dollars can go to research.

A very big thank you to all who volunteered on the day, the walk would not be possible without these people - some have been involved from day one and are always tirelessly and passionately committed to our goals, others I have known only briefly and have been quite overwhelmed by their support and still others just turned up on the day and did whatever was needed. I am as always blown away by the generosity of these people.