RELATED: Drive to help Ed walk tall
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
HUNDREDS of employees at the Bendigo Bank want to help children with special needs – and this month they plan to walk the talk.
More than 430 employees from across the country are aiming to do 10,000 steps a day as part of the ‘Steptember’ challenge, raising money to help support people with cerebral palsy.
Efforts in Bendigo have been spearheaded by Breeanna Isaacs, whose nephew has a form of cerebral palsy that requires continuous genetic testing to determine and locate the possible cause.
Ms Isaacs said her colleagues’ support was overwhelming.
“Edward is unable to walk and support his own weight, he has a twisted femur that will require surgery later in his life, as well as a condition called ‘baby feet,’ where his feet have not developed along with his age,” she said.
“Like any parent, Edward’s parents just want what's best for their little boy, to walk on his own for the first time, walk next to his mum holding her hand, or walk his sister to school holding her hand.
“These are the dreams we have for Edward, I’m so proud of my fellow colleagues committing to Steptember, and I urge their friends and family to sponsor them along the way.
“Every dollar raised makes a huge difference to thousands of people who suffer from cerebral palsy,including Edward.”
Bendigo Bank Executive Customer Voice, Marnie Baker, said the average office worker takes 3000 steps a day, meaning staff would have to literally step it up over 28 days to meet their targets.
“Not only will our staff be getting fit and active, but they will be learning a lot about cerebral palsy and how it affects children and adults,” Ms Baker said.
Edward’s mother, Catherine Boyer, said the awareness raising aspect of Steptember was equally as important as the money it raised.
“It is also about giving people an understanding about what it would be like for a child who can’t walk, to walk for the first time,” she said.
Mrs Boyer said she was touched by efforts to help Edward. His family is raising money – in a separate campaign – so he can travel to Adelaide to undertake intensive treatment which is unavailable in Bendigo.
“To see the local community come out in support of local children with special needs, like Edward, is just incredible.”
For more on Steptember, click here.