Broomies step up the fight against congenital heart disease with the HeartKids charity walk

Just six days out from WA’s biggest fundraiser, local Broomies were getting into the spirit of the event with a charity walk along the world-famous Cable Beach in support of children impacted by congenital heart disease.

HeartKids Two Feet and a Heartbeat is an annual charity walk held across Western Australia to raise money for those living with CHD and to honour those Heart Angels who have lost their battle.

A Telethon-support charity, HeartKids provides vital hospital, regional and local support to thousands of families and parents each year, to ensure they are supported and informed through their child’s health journey.

Eight children are born with a heart defect each day and four tragically lose their lives each week.

Despite these devastating statistics, 72,000 Australians continue to live with the disease every day.

One of them is Broome toddler Myles Yu Dowell, whose CHD journey began when he was born prematurely at 29 weeks.

Born with Pulmonary Atresia with intact ventricular septum, his mother Mandela found support in HeartKids.

“It was a very traumatic experience and facing the unknown was very hard,” she said.

“I was lucky that Myles and I have a strong support network and HeartKids to lean on.”

“Knowing the support they provide not just now but in the future is a huge relief. I am able to share this journey safely as well as helping others.”

The money raised during the walk is set to go towards expanding the support services and programs targeting CHD in Australia.

HeartKids is one of this years Telethon beneficiaries set to receive a portion of the funds raised during this year’s event.

Due to take place on Saturday, October 22, Telethon has a new home at the RAC Arena, in the heart of the Perth CBD.

WA will give generously to sick kids in need while being treated to some of the best musical acts and entertainment around during the 26-hour telecast.

To date, Telethon has raised $395 million for Australian children.