A big thank you to everyone who braved the rain and came to Footscray Park on the morning of Sunday, 7 April, 2024!
Despite the weather, everyone got into the fun, competition and cause, and as a result, WalkWest 2024 was a huge success! We had 318 people walk or run in the event, with around 350 total attendees (plus 30 dogs).
Addressing the crowd at WalkWest, Western Health CEO, Prof Russell Harrison said, “I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming today, for participating and for helping to raise these funds.
“Not many people will know what an ECMO machine is, and hopefully not many of you will ever need to find out.”
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines provide temporary support to patients with life-threatening heart and lung conditions, allowing them to rest and recover while the machine warms and oxygenates their blood. The funds raised will help make this state-of-the-art equipment available in Melbourne's west.
“This is the first stage of our fundraising efforts and we hope to raise $350,000 by 30 June 2024 to buy these important machines,” he continued.
Kelvyn Lavelle, New Footscray Hospital Project Chair at Plenary Health, took the opportunity to thank healthcare workers, with a large portion of WalkWest participants being Western health staff and supporters. “I want to thank each and every healthcare worker for their commitment and dedication to the health of our community. This has been a fantastic event for a very important cause.”
Western Health Foundation Board Chair, Glenn Hay, also shared a few words, speaking of the great turnout and thanking everyone for their efforts and support of the cause, saying “I can’t wait to hear the final tally of our fundraising efforts!”
So, without further ado, together we’ve exceeded our goal of $130,000, raising more than $145,000 toward the purchase of two ECMO machines for Western Health.
Well done to everyone involved!
Alt text: Participants and supporters attend WalkWest 2024. There are dogs, kids and adults all having fun. The wet weather doesn't dampen the fun, with laughter aplenty, people join in on the aerobics warm-ups, kids jump in a jumping castle, sponsors man their tents, and participants walk and run in the 2km, 5km and 10km events. Speeches are made, prizes are given, and groups come together to have their photos taken.
Participants and supporters are also welcome to visit the full WalkWest 2024 flickr image gallery here.
Congratulations to the incredible race winners:
Women’s First Place – 10km: Natalie Lumsden
Men’s First Place – 10km: Solomon Haile Melekote
Women’s First Place – 5km: Rebekah Faure
Men’s First Place – 5km: Dan Lemoto
Women’s First Place – 2km: Hilary Lye
Men’s First Place – 2km: Lahiru Amaratunge
A big thank you and congratulations to our best fundraisers:
Best Corporate Team Fundraiser: Plenary Health
Best Individual Fundraiser: Ofelia Bautista
Best Team Fundraiser: Shock Team ICU
And lastly, for a bit of fun:
Best Corporate Team Station: Multiplex
Best WalkWest Dog: Gimli
Thank you to WalkWest's sponsors:
