24 hour challenge raises $600,000 for children in 24 hour care

32 treadmills supplied by The Fitness Generation were kept in continuous motion for 24 hours from on 22nd and 23rd May raising $605,000 for children in 24 hour care at Very Special Kids Hospice in Melbourne.

1,118 participants including celebrities, AFL players, politicians, and people that have been touched by Very Special Kids, joined forces to keep the treadmills going and raise as much money as possible.

House Rules Victorian contestants Bronik and Corrine, AFL stars Leigh Montagna and Grant Birchall, Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr and Victorian StateMP Michael O’Brien, all jumped on a treadmill to motivate and entertain participants.

By the end of the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge participants had covered 5,771 kilometres, guzzled 576 litres of water, listened to more than 500 songs, and far exceeded the event’s goal to raise $500,000 through donations from friends and family.

The funds raised will go to Very Special Kids Hospice, Victoria’s only children’s hospice, providing specialist care for children with life-threatening conditions.

Very Special Kids Chief Executive Sarah Hosking was astounded by the support that the event received from the community.

Hosking explained "the funds raised ensure we can continue to care for children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

"We’re extremely grateful for everything everyone has achieved."

Very Special Kids supports 900 Victorian families that are caring for children with life-threatening conditions. Its services can be accessed from a child’s diagnosis through bereavement, and include respite and end-of-life care at its children’s hospice and counselling for families.

The 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge was made possible through the support of The Fitness Generation, True Cardio and Seven News.

Images show :Grant Birchall and Leigh Montagna supporting the event.

Click here for more information on the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge.

4th June 2014 - 24 HOUR CHALLENGE RAISES $465,000 FOR CHILDREN IN 24 CARE

22nd July 2013 - 24 HOUR TREADMILL CHALLENGE FOR VERY SPECIAL KIDS RAISES MORE THAN $300,000