General News
7 March, 2023
Running for love
THE Cobden community is rallying behind a special fundraiser, with locals urged to dig deep and support Run to the Max.
THE Cobden community is rallying behind a special fundraiser, with locals urged to dig deep and support Run to the Max.
Thompson’s Hotel leasees Michael Torpy and Belinda Davies are organising a fundraiser in support of their grandson Max who was born in June 2022 and was diagnosed not long after with Rubenstein Taybi Syndrome.
Rubenstein Taybi Syndrome is so rare, there is thought to be only six children with the syndrome currently across the country.
At just nine months old Max has undergone 11 surgeries to date.
Young Max has been cared for by the doctors and Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne since he was born.
On Sunday, March 19 – which coincides with the Run for the Kids fun run in Melbourne - Mr Torpy will run from Camperdown to Cobden.
In Melbourne on the same day, Max’s mum Sam will be pushing him in his pram in the five kilometre event Run for the Kids.
Ms Davies is also organising a three kilometre fun run/walk in Cobden on the same morning for locals who would like to donate and take part.
“Michael will start in Camperdown at 10.30am and he will run the 10 kilometres here,” she said.
“At 11am, everyone will meet here (Thompson’s Hotel) to do the run and walk.
“I’m also trying to encourage people to do the last 900 metres with him.
“I’ve got the Cobden SES and CFA involved.”
There will be no entry fee to the fun run/walk, with entrants asked to donate what they can on the day.
Ms Davies said the wider Cobden community had shown its support for the initiative.
“We’ve had a huge amount of support,” she said.
“Everyone has a connection with the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Every cent helps every child, not just ours.”
An auction will also be held at 1pm at Thompson’s Hotel, with local businesses donating a wide range of items and vouchers to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the fundraiser.
Ms Davies said Joe Barlings from Barlings Fruit Market in Colac had come on as a major sponsor of the fundriaser.
“We are so thankful the community has got behind us,” she said.
“We’re hoping to raise $5000, but more would be amazing.
“It’s all about getting out there and being in the community.
“Hopefully we can have a really good day.”
Donations can be made at runforthekids.gofundraise.com.au/page/RUNTOTHEMAX
