newy.com.au – Almost 1000 walkers are expected to take on a 35km coastal trek from Belmont to Newcastle in August to raise money and awareness for Australians affected by mitochondrial disease.
The Mito Foundation will host The Bloody Long Walk on Sunday, August 23, with participants setting out from Barton Field at Belmont and finishing at Foreshore Park in Newcastle.
The annual fundraising event brings together families, friends, workplaces and community teams in support of people living with mitochondrial disease, known as mito.
Mito is a debilitating genetic disease that prevents the body’s cells from producing enough energy. It can cause organ failure and premature death, and there are currently no cures and few effective treatments.
The Mito Foundation says about 70 Australian children born this year will develop a life-threatening form of the disease, with most children diagnosed dying in the first five years of life.
Funds raised through The Bloody Long Walk support the foundation’s work, including research into prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures, as well as resources and support services for people affected by mito and their families.
The Newcastle event is expected to feature coastal views and strong community involvement along the route, with further details available through the Bloody Long Walk website.
