Walking around an oval for 24 hours straight might sound extreme, but for Ryan Atkin, it’s a deeply personal way of giving back.
The Glenroy local has launched the “Rhino Walk”, a 24-hour fundraiser at JP Fawkner Reserve to support the annual Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
Through blisters, cramps and a full day on his feet, Atkin hopes to raise funds to support families facing the “heartache” of having a child in hospital, an experience he knows all too well.
“If someone else is able to actually take their kid home, that’s worth it all,” he said.
His motivation comes from his daughter Bailey, who underwent chemotherapy at just three years old. Now 15, she is one of the reasons he’s determined to give back to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“They saved my daughter’s life really,” he said.
“She’s one of the lucky ones, I guess, even though she went through all of that.”
While Atkin joked his teenage daughter may be more focused on enjoying her school holidays than walking laps of an oval, he won’t be doing it alone.
“There isn’t a time through the whole part that there isn’t going to be someone walking with me,” he said.
From late-night “graveyard shift” walkers to daytime supporters, the community has rallied around the cause, something Atkin says proves others are “just as nuts” and dedicated as him.
Originally aiming to raise $100 per hour, he said his expectations were quickly “blown out of the water”, with more than $6500 already raised ahead of the Thursday start.
Good Friday Appeal Executive Director Rebecca Cowan said the cause highlights the power of families giving back.
“We are so grateful to all our fundraisers – from small businesses to families to our long-term partners – every little bit counts,” she said.
“We cannot wait to see what (Atkin) achieves after the 24-hour walk, what an incredible effort.”
The walk will also feature a barbecue, meat raffle and live band, turning the challenge into a community event backed by local groups including the Glenroy RSL, football and cricket clubs.
Image: news.com.au
