Hundreds of people across Ipswich are currently participating in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s Park2Park Virtual Fun Run, with many seeing it as an opportunity to get active while supporting healthcare in the region.
But for five-year-old Amelia Springall and her family, the annual event means a whole lot more.
Before Amelia was born, her mother Natalie Springall participated in Park2Park for her own fitness and enjoyment.
“It’s about the atmosphere and the feel of it,” Ms Springall said.
“You run into people you only see each year the run and it’s just a great feeling.”
However after her daughter was born prematurely, Ms Springall’s reasons for participating in the event changed.
Although Amelia spent most of her recovery at a Gold Coast hospital, Ms Springall said the team at Ipswich Hospital had been so supportive during her daughter’s recovery.
Looking for a way to give back, Ms Springall that year took Amelia to her first Park2Park and pushed her over the finish line in her pram.
It was the start of a special tradition for Amelia and her mother.
Five years on, Ms Springall and Amelia continue to participate in Park2Park each year, with the duo currently taking part in this year’s virtual event.
Amelia at Park2Park in 2019.
Amelia is enjoying getting out and running with her mother and is looking forward to receiving her fifth finisher’s medal to celebrate another milestone in her life.
About Park2Park Virtual
Park2Park Virtual is the fun run done anywhere, anytime during the four-week event between 26 July and 23 August.
As the event’s halfway mark approaches, there’s still time to register or donate, with 100 per cent of profits going towards supporting virtual healthcare and the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.
Registration includes entry into any of the virtual events, an official Park2Park cap, a downloadable race bib and a finisher’s medal.
To register, find out more, or donate, visit www.p2pfun.run/live
