Declan’s Big Run

by JANE KILKENNY
4th November 2024

A RUNNER from Park Orchards has set his sights on a big challenge.
Declan Johnson will run 165 kilometres from Warrandyte to Bendigo in late November, hoping to cover the distance in two days.
He hopes to raise $5,000 for children’s cancer charity Little Big Steps.
Little Big Steps is about keeping kids with cancer moving, so the charity funds fitness technology like activity trackers and virtual reality, and physiotherapist-supported exercise medicine programs to support kids with cancer by keeping them active.
Declan, 22, told the Diary he has always been a keen runner, but when looking for something “big” to work towards, he felt Warrandyte to Bendigo (where he has family) was a suitable challenge.
His planned route will take in the Mullum and Yarra Trail, Plenty River Trail, and the Western Ringroad Trail, eventually ending up at Heathcote for the 50km stint along the picturesque O’Keefe Rail Trail for his big finish in Bendigo.
Doing something for a cause is also a great motivator and a way to stay accountable, so Declan decided to turn the run into a fundraising opportunity.
He told the Diary he chose this particular charity because it provides a unique service for kids with cancer, and being relatively small, it is often not the first charity people think of when raising money for cancer charities.
Declan has been training hard for his run since April and spoke to the Diary about the level of preparation needed.
“Preparation for a run of this magnitude requires a lot of planning and several extra pairs of running shoes,” he said.
It takes special people in our community to make a difference, and Declan is definitely one special young man who is determined to give back, one kilometre at a time.
You can support Declan by donating to his cause, simply search “Declan’s Big Run” and donate online via his Just Giving page.
For more information on the wonderful work of Little Big Steps, head to www.littlebigsteps.org.au.