Rebecca Doyle-Walker from Narre Warren South is getting ready to take part in this weekend’s HBA Great Australian Run. 24894 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren South woman is gearing up for this weekend’s HBA Great Australian Run.
Rebecca Doyle-Walker was wheel chair bound after suffering a stroke in 2000 and faced a battle to get back on her feet.
Ms Walker has decided to take part in the 15km fundraising race this Sun-day despite partial paralysis of her right leg.
“I want to take advantage of participating in the race while I still can,” she said.
The determined runner also takes part in the annual Mother’s Day Classic race with her mother and 15-year-old daughter.
“It’s become a family tradition,” she said.
After this weekend’s race, the 37-year-old will begin training for the Run for the Kids event on Sunday 5 April 2009, with fellow volunteer members from the Narre Warren CFA.
“I’ve turned into a run junkie and I can’t seem to stop,” she said.
“When you overcome something like I have, you really enjoy every moment of it.”
Ms Walker is encouraging other people to take part in the charity races.
“We’re having a good time and raising money for charities at the same time,” Ms Walker said.
The HBA Great Australian Run is open to all levels of runners, walkers and joggers above 15 years of age.
The event, which will start and finish at Albert Park, will feature world marathon record holder Haile Gebreslassie, Olympic champion Constantina Dita and Australia’s own Craig Mottram and Benita Johnson, all raising money for charities Very Special Kids and Ladder.
For more information please visit www.greataustralianrun.com.au.
