Great Illawarra Walk committee members Matt Wilson, Jason Gow, Chris Lovatt, Rebecca Coe, Brooke Mayness and Ruth Lovatt at Shellharbour. Picture: DYLAN ROBINSON
THE gruelling 100-kilometre charity walk that unites a village is back again in a bid to help create a better life for every Australian child living with cancer.
The sixth annual Great Illawarra Walk will take place on March 23-24.
"You hear a lot about how people in the Illawarra are a caring group of people, are very community-minded," organising committee member Chris Lovatt said.
"They do love to help the less fortunate.
"A lot of people have been touched by cancer, one way or another.
"When it's children, who haven't had a chance to live their lives yet, it leaves an even greater impact."
To date the event has raised more than $200,000 for Camp Quality - the charity dedicated to creating a better life for children living with cancer, as well as their families.
Last year, 550 participants raised $47,000.
Organisers eventually aim to reach a total of $1 million, but this year hope at least 1000 people will take part. Walkers can complete the entire 100 kilometres over two days or they can walk a shorter distance on either day.
The first day features walkers travelling the 50 kilometres from Shellharbour Village to Coalcliff, before returning to Shellharbour the following day.
Schools are also being encouraged to enter a team, as a shortened walk for primary aged students is available.
This will be at a reduced registration cost.
Fellow committee member Jason Gow encouraged the business community to get behind the event.
"We want to get it to be as big as the [i98FM] Convoy," he said.
"Not everyone has a truck, but most people can walk.
"We've had people finish the walk with a prosthetic leg; anyone can do it."
For details, see www. greatillawarrawalk.com.