Some used wheelchairs, others crutches or a walker, but however they took part everyone was proud as punch at the 2026 Healthy Strides Foundation Move-A-Thon, showing off the benefits of space-age tech funded by Telethon and Mineral Resources.
About 400 people braved the chill to join the starting line at Elizabeth Baillie Park on Sunday morning.
Many of them have first-hand knowledge of Healthy Strides’ intensive therapy centre that helps children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.
Founder Dayna Pool began the Move-a-Thon four years ago, to give young people an opportunity to get active and give back to Telethon.
Hannah Davis, four-years-old, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, after she developed rare neonatal diabetes when she was just four days old.
She’s used the ZeroG harness, developed by Dr Pool and controlled by a computer to provide balance and gait support.
“Since starting intensive sessions with Healthy Strides, Hannah’s made massive gains,” Hannah’s mum Sarah said.
“Today she’s now walking independently over 20 meters. Without them I don’t think Hannah would be where she is today.”
Dr Pool said Hannah came just three times a week for sessions using the ZeroG.
“She exceeded all expectation, exceeded what you would normally expect for children,” Dr Pool said.
“Hannah started walking independently, gained the confidence that she needed, and has had the most successful transition to school.
“That’s just one story, but there’s plenty more like that across the ages”.
Mineral Resources provided part of the funding for the ZeroG and on Sunday, provided $5000 in funding support for the event, 3D printed commemorative bracelets and a team of volunteers.
“It was inspiring to see so many children getting involved in today’s Move-A-Thon and our volunteers were delighted to be on the sidelines cheering on every participant,” MinRes people director Andrea Chapman said.
“What makes this event so special is that these kids are also giving back, raising vital funds for Telethon while showing us what inclusion looks like – children of all abilities getting active and celebrating every step together.”
Ethan Carlson drove an hour from Mandurah to take part in the Move-A-Thon and has also become more active since using the ZeroG.
“It gets me walking without support and if I fall down, it catches me and stops me falling down onto my face,” he said.
West Coast Eagles players Harry Edwards and Milan Murdock also took part in the walk.
“It’s great for the kids. My partner works for Healthy Strides so she’s told me how excited they are to be here,” Mr Edwards said.
Dr Pool said they were grateful to MinRes and Telethon for their ongoing support.
“Move-A-Thon is about celebrating every child, no matter how they move,” Dr Pool added.
“Whether they are walking, rolling or using a frame, they are all champions.
“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Healthy Strides, and events like this give our kids the chance take part in a community event without feeling like they are different.”
Dr Pool said she was also grateful for the introduction of the NDIS.
“I’ve been part of the old system where there wasn’t choice and control and there wasn’t room for this innovation,” she added.
“It gave us the chance to provide something innovative and new, outside of the usual, traditional models that were available, and that’s the only reason why we exist.”
