In the eleven years since the 35km Bloody Long Walk took its first steps, more than $15 million has been raised to support those living with mitochondrial disease (mito), and to fund research into a cure. One of ten events to be held this year across the country, the Palm Beach to Manly Promenade walk will kick off on 30 July, so dust off those runners!
When The Mito Foundation charity brainstormed a ‘catchy and enticing event’ that would appeal to both the small mito community and the general public, it wasn’t expecting its Bloody Long Walk concept to capture Australia’s imagination in the way it did. The 35-km physical challenge began with a one-off walk in Sydney and has since exploded into an annual staple at different locations across the country, raising millions and putting mito firmly on the map.
A relatively unknown disease, mito is a debilitating genetic condition that robs the body of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction and failure. At present, there are few effective treatments and no cure, which only serves to heighten the dedication and enthusiasm of those taking part in the walk.
Kat Barlow will step out on her seventh Bloody Long Walk this year, alongside her team Noah’s Ninjas, in honour of her son, Noah, the ‘Captain’ of the Mito Foundation. Thirteen-year-old Noah was diagnosed with mito at age seven, after years of struggles including severe allergies, stroke-like episodes and incorrect diagnoses. “There is nothing worse than feeling helpless as a parent and having nowhere to turn. One doctor told us that he would see him again in a year if he was still alive,” says Kat, who fought for tests to obtain the correct diagnosis for her son.
While ‘daredevil’ Noah still relies on his wheelchair, Bumblebee, and is tube fed, he is doing well at school and has ‘wonderful friends who accept him just as he is.’ He is also extremely active in a range of wheelchair sports and classes his favourite pastimes as ‘making people laugh,’ followed closely by Star Wars and baking cookies and cakes for his medical team. The ambitious teen – who sends video messages to spur on Bloody Long Walk participants -also has lofty ambitions for his future, saying, “I want to be a leader who represents diversity and disability and to change the world for people like me.”
The fully supported course with checkpoints will begin against a backdrop of stunning coastal views at Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, and finish at Manly Promenade, opposite the Corso. Participants – who can walk, jog or run the 35km course either solo or in a group – will be aiming to smash the $3 million that was raised at last year’s event and bring hope to those living with mito. As Kat Barlow says, “All I want is to find a cure for my boy.”
To find out more information, visit www.bloodylongwalk.com.au
By Catherine Lewis