By Tanya Faulkner
Think about this; if you were told you had a limited amount of time left, what is the one thing you would want to experience?
A local Pakenham gym is doing their bit to make local children’s dreams come true, by lacing up their running shoes and putting their fitness to the test for charity.
Anytime Fitness Pakenham has teamed up with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, raising money for local children with terminal illnesses to make their biggest wishes come true, by running the upcoming Melbourne Half Marathon in July.
For club manager Bailey Wardle, the fundraiser is more than just running the half marathon, it’s about taking a small step to make someone else’s life that much more fulfilling and doing what he can for those less fortunate.
“I have always done what I can to help charities in our community. The club has supported the “R U OK” Foundation, and this is the second running event I am doing for charity,” he said.
Mr Wardle said terminal illnesses hit hard on a lot of families in Pakenham, and he is looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other local children.
“The biggest thing for us is to just do what you can with what you can for others. Some families really struggle with things like this, and doing something is better than doing nothing,” he said.
The Make a Wish Foundation Cardinia-Casey branch works in the local community to grant wishes to children with terminal illnesses.
Some local wishes that have been granted include a meet and greet with The Wiggles, the adoption of a Groodle puppy (called Gizmo), and a visit to the Big Ben Clock tower in Brisbane, with the young boy being the VIP clock keeper for the day.
Mr Wardle says being able to give back to the community is one of the best feelings, and is looking forward to the challenge of a half marathon.
“It’s definitely the most ambitious fundraiser I will be doing, it’s not anything I’ve ever done before so it will be a challenge,” he said.
As it stands, the club has just over half a dozen local members signed up with ‘Team AF Pakky’ and are encouraging the community to help them get behind the cause, and join the run.
“You don’t have to be a member of the gym to join us on the run. Our main goal is to have fun, enjoy the day, and hopefully make someone else’s live better by granting a wish,” said Mr Wardle.
Those wanting to join the fundraising efforts with Anytime Fitness Pakenham can get in touch with them on social media or in the club directly, or simply sign up to the Run Melbourne Marathon and start their own fundraising efforts.
More information on Make a Wish can be found at makeawish.org.au
