Reasons to run

THREE child care educators in Pakenham North will put their running shoes on for the annual Run for the Kids event in Melbourne later this month.
Elise Christie, Amanda Ram and Jacky Shield each have their own reason for participating in the 5.5km leg of the run and they have been training together to get ready for the event.
They work at Early Learning Centre in Pakenham North and have been training together after work.
Ms Christie, who lives in Berwick, said she was touched by the amazing job of the staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital after her niece was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukaemia at just two years of age.
“Last year I decided I wanted to make up a team with my family,” she said.
“This year we have staff participating in the Run for the Kids.”
Pakenham’s Amanda Ram has an eight-year-old son Jazper who has a genetic condition which is a duplication of the tail ending of chromosome one.
Ms Ram said it is “very busy” in her household with her other two children who have autism.
“We have been there at the hospital heaps of times for appointments and procedures,” she said.
“The staff are amazing, always very helpful and with the new renovations it is it really has become a children’s hub rather than a hospital.”
The trio are hoping to walk most of the event, so that Jazper can walk alongside them. He uses a wheelchair for long distances.
Ms Christie said they all wanted to give back to the hospital and it was a way to show their support for their families and the children they look after.
“My reason for doing what I do is that I want to lead the next generation as best I can,” she said.
To donate to the cause and support the hospital, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/kids_in_care.