A group of Wannon runners who raised more than $100,000 for charity last year are pulling on their running shoes again to raise much needed awareness and funds for CJD.
The 12 Wannon runners are part of a 21-strong team taking part in this year’s Run for CJD from Adelaide to Terang, via Mildura, to raise money and awareness for a good cause.
The runners all have a personal connection to Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) — a rare and serious disease that causes the brain to degenerate, leading to dementia and death.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is again taking part to honour his mother, Marie, who passed away due to CJD in 2004.
“My mother taught me the importance of giving back to your community and that’s what the Run for CJD is about,” Mr Tehan said.
“CJD is a terrible condition and every dollar we raise is a dollar we are closer to finding a cure.
“Last year we shared a lot of laughs, covered a lot of kilometres, put holes in a lot of socks, and honoured our loved ones.”
Matty Stewart, one of the runners, said: “I’m running for my old man Bobby. I want him to be remembered by making sure his death isn’t in vain and hopefully make a difference to others who are affected by CJD in the future”.
Joey Kenna, who has joined the Run for CJD this year, said he was running to honour his father Jimmy, who passed away in 2022.
“Dad was the toughest guy I have ever met and taught me that you can do anything that you set your mind to. I am running in honour of him and to help raise funds and awareness of this terrible disease,” he said.
The Run for CJD will start on October 12 and finish in Terang on October 18.
To make a donation toward the Run for CJD click this link https://www.cjdsupport.org.au/run-4-cjd-2024/
