A Red Army of Gosford and Wyong Hospital Emergency Department (ED) staff are lacing up their shoes ready to take on this year’s Bay to Bay running festival in the name of charity.
With Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) a main beneficiary for the 2017 Bay to Bay, the team of 60 dedicated medical, nursing and allied health staff are keen to support the event, raising funds for their very own workplace.
The “Running for your lives” team are expected to stand out amongst the crowd, wearing bright red t-shirts and joining hundreds of other runners from across the Central Coast and beyond for the annual event.
Team organiser and Director of Wyong Hospital’s ED, Dr Simon Battersby, said he was overwhelmed by the strong support from work colleagues when putting the call-out for participants.
“After learning the event was fundraising for the District and other local charities, I thought it would be a great idea to reciprocate the support and enter a team in the run,” Dr Battersby said.
“I was expecting to get about 15 to 20 participants, so I was blown away when the team number reached 60.
“It’s a great event to be involved in, especially getting the chance to contribute and help raise money towards the purchase of new equipment that will go a long way in caring for our patients at Wyong and Gosford Hospitals,” he added.
Now in its 13th year, the Bay to Bay is set to be the biggest and best festival to date with around 2.500 runners expected to turn out on June 18.
The half marathon, 12K fun run and kids’ fun run are enticing lots of interest, with the Ronald McDonald Family Room, based at Gosford Hospital, another major beneficiary.
Event organiser, Ms Jenny Barker, said although online registrations had now closed, it wasn’t too late to sign up for the day.
Entry forms will be taken in person on the western side of the Central Coast Stadium on June 16, between 4-7pm and on June 17, between 11am-4pm.
“The event is getting bigger and better every year, which is fantastic to see,” Ms Barker said.
“It means the community will be able to make a bigger contribution to our nominated charities and most importantly all donations received remain on the Coast to benefit the local community.
“The fun run and half marathon start at Fisherman’s Wharf in Woy Woy, taking in a beautiful scenic route along Brisbane Water and finishing up in Gosford.
“Participants can run or walk at their own pace, we have people of all ages and fitness levels taking part.
“It’s a great opportunity to get together with friends, family and work colleagues for a morning of exercise, fresh air, and all for a very worthy cause,” Ms Baker concluded.
Source:
Media release, Jun 13
Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District