TEAM WORK: Father and daughter Andrew and Erin Wardle will take part in a 55 kilometre adventure on Monday to raise funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Network.
ERIN Wardle is learning to walk again after major surgery on both legs two months ago.
One of her biggest challenges will come when the 10-year-old and her dad Andrew embark on a 55km adventure this long weekend to raise funds for The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.
The father-daughter team will take part in 4Tracks4Kids in Sydney this Monday. While their initial aim was to raise $250, they have well exceeded that figure to drum up more than $2600 so far.
Andrew will push Erin in her wheelchair from Rosehill Gardens to the Sydney Children’s Hospital via every Sydney racetrack, including Warwick Farm, Canterbury and Royal Randwick.
Erin, who has cerebral palsy, spent three weeks at Westmead when she was born. This year, she underwent major surgery on both legs and still has months of rehabilitation ahead.
But Andrew said it was his daughter’s desire to help others that inspired him to join the fundraiser.
“This will be a major challenge for me, but I was very moved when Erin said she would like to join in to raise some money‘for the sick kids in hospital,” Andrew said.
“This cause is really close to our hearts.
“We’ve had to rely on The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network many times during Erin’s life, as have a lot of other kids and their families in the local area.
“This network provides amazing service and support to children and their families as they go through a range of health issues.
“We’re just hoping to give something back.”
The network includes The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
Andrew said he was looking forward to sharing the experience with his daughter and intends to update their progress throughout the day on Facebook.
“We would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who has helped support this cause,” he said.
“It means so much to us because, without the help of both of these hospitals, we wouldn’t have our beautiful Erin today.”
To make a donation directly to Andrew and Erin’s team, log on to http://4tracks4kidssydney.gofundraise.com.au/page/erinwardle.