LAST Saturday, close to 300 people walked around Jamison Park for 20 km (9 and a half laps) to raise awareness and funds for the Heart Foundation in our inaugural “Walk for Tobes” charity walk.
My great mate Toby Hughes passed away last July from a sudden heart attack at 50 years of age, leaving behind a devastated community of relatives and friends. Last Saturday’s walk, which was also Toby’s birthday, brought together members of the Penrith community and beyond in a show of love for our much-treasured mate.
Of course, to pull off such a successful day, it takes a lot of people to get involved. Firstly, my wife and kids, who worked tirelessly over the past month to bring such a big event to fruition. Also, Gai Hawthorn OAM from the Penrith CBD Corporation, who also worked feverishly behind the scenes, helping us pull off an extraordinarily emotive day.
Additionally, my gym members at MG Activ helped in any way they could. In fact, every single person we asked for help last Saturday didn’t hesitate for a second to get involved. n’1 Physio, Heartbeat of Football Federation, St John’s Ambulance, Penrith Rotary, our nurse Alana Grana, and Brewed Besties all gave their time on the day to help the cause. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses that sponsored the walk as well. Hertz, Sinclair Hyundai, Visy Logistics, n’1 Physio, Mescon Constructions, Western Diesel and Performance, Resolve Building Solutions, Solar Partners, Flip Out Penrith, Mountain View Interiors, Happy Days, LillyPilly Wines, and Wayne Sinclair, who printed all of the shirts for the walk at no cost. All of these businesses contributed to the walk in the form of a sponsorship amount, which I can’t thank them enough for.
The numbers are still being counted, but it looks like we’ll be able to give the Heart Foundation a donation of around $11,000! Also, a big thank you to the mayor, Todd Carney, who not only walked the 20 km but also made a pledge from his council.
I’d also like to thank a couple of ex-teammates as well as some other footy legends who generously gave their valuable time last Saturday: Greg “Brandy” Alexander, Royce Simmons, Craig Izzard, Paul Gallen, Josh Morris, and James Maloney also all ploughed through the 20 km distance with aplomb. Although ‘Gal’ may have done some damage to his hamstring when trying to catch up to Royce, ‘J Moz’, and ‘Jimmy’.
Days like last Saturday reinforce your faith in how we, as a city, can help and aid a worthy cause that nearly every person has been affected by. “Walk for Tobes” will now be an annual event that I’m sure more and more people will get involved in. Again, a big, big thank you to everyone who turned up last Saturday.
MG (random Westie) OAM
