The ‘Two for 10 Walk’ – a 2km stroll around Chinaman’s Island with the $10 entry going to the research body – saw 80 enthusiastic walkers enjoying a festival atmosphere on the stroll and at a barbecue afterwards.
Cord Blood Research ambassadors Helen and Rob ‘Possum’ Purtle started the walk by cutting the red ribbon after Helen spoke of the value of cord blood research that creates vital treatments for desperately ill people, and saves many lives.
State member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy spoke of his support for the cause.
Rich blood from the umbilical cord is used for stem cell research to help find ways to cure many diseases including leukaemia, auto immune diseases and cerebral palsy.
Event co-organisers June Lavis and Lesley Shead were “impressed and grateful” with the generosity of both community members and local organisations, with donations still coming in.
The event supports “esteemed research organisations, with no middle man costs, to support the fast moving, invaluable cord blood research nationally”, they said.
As always, the organisers said, the members of Inner Wheel, with their partners, provided outstanding support on the day with support from the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club.
The walk received “incredibly generous” support from the Purtle family, Blend Studio, Central Murray Credit Union, Yarrawonga Ford, ClubMulwala, Judd and Sons and the Mulwala Water Ski Club, while Woolworths donated the barbecue needs and provided bottled water.
More than $3.5 million has been raised nationally, in the last almost quarter of a century.
Please contact June on 0438 582 122 if you would like to add a donation.