By Jessica Anstice
Berwick’s Dale Sheppard will be pushing his wheelchair in the 42km Melbourne Marathon on 14 October.
Mr Sheppard’s goal is to raise $200,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation (Starlight), an organisation close to his heart that brightens the lives of seriously ill children and their families. He aims to grant 30 wishes for 30 families.
In 1994, Starlight Foundation granted Mr Sheppard’s ill brother a Starlight Wish and sent the family on a holiday, where they were all able to escape the pain of hospital treatments and just have fun.
“It all started with a joking conversation with some friends and I said “I reckon I could push it” their response was “well on then!”” Mr Sheppard said.
“So not ever wanting to back down from a challenge I registered the next day to complete the full 42km Melbourne Marathon.
“A marathon is one of those things that I want to be able to say I’ve done. It’s a long way but I’ve trained really hard since January.”
Starlight helped the Sheppard family to see that no matter how hard life can be there’s always something to smile about.
“There are a lot of families in the midst of challenging times and with a Starlight Wish get the opportunity to create memories that last and shift focus from hardships to fun and laughter,” he said.
“If I can make this happen the 42km is really going to be worth it.
“30 Wishes for 30 Families can only happen if we all work together. If we all do a little – we will get a lot done.”
Mr Sheppard broke his neck in 1997 and has since – been a quadriplegic.
“The marathon is going to be a massive challenge but I’m up for a challenge,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing the marathon with my mate Matt Farmilo, who with his wife Andrea were the two who issued the challenge and sharing memories with the people who have supported me during my training.
“When I complete the marathon I think I will feel happy, sad and probably completely stuffed. But to know families will be receiving wishes will fill my heart with joy.”
To find out more and to donate, visit www.starlight.org.au/30wishes30families.
