On Sunday 28 July, Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s iconic annual fun run, Park2Park presented by University of Southern Queensland, celebrated two decades of bringing together the community for a day of fun, fitness and fundraising to support West Moreton Health, $30,000 for local healthcare initiatives.
More than 1,300 participants gathered at Limestone Park to walk, run, jog or stroll the 10km, 5km & Kid’s Challenge courses, with many fundraising in the weeks leading up to the event. Funds raised from Park2Park will help West Moreton power innovative medical equipment, boost health promotion initiatives, enhance patient and support persons’ care, and drive local research and innovation. that benefits the entire West Moreton community. As well as celebrating 20 years as an integral part of the city’s event calendar, this year’s Park2Park was an opportunity to acknowledge some extraordinary achievements, and to shine a light on the community’s generosity and support.
There was a lot to celebrate at this year’s event; the dedicated runners who’ve participated in every Park2Park since it started in 2005, the incredible volunteers who so kindly donated their time and hard work, and of course the incredible and generous individuals and teams who have worked non-stop to fundraise and make a positive impact in the community.
CleanCo, the Silver Partner for the 2024 Park2Park, raised a whopping $5,125 in funds, with CleanCo team member, Eric Blashak, raising $2,095 of that total and taking out the top Individual Fundraiser award. CleanCo fundraising team captain, Nathan Lawley, who has been involved in Park2Park for the past four years with his family, said the event as a great way for the CleanCo team to bond in a fun, social setting.
“It’s always a really great family event and I knew there’d be some guys at work attending with their own families, so it seemed like a good opportunity to bring us together outside the workplace, and raise money for a really good cause,” Nathan said.
“The team has had a great day out, and lots of them have said they’re keen to do this again.”
Nine-year-old Hugo Pisani from The Springfield Anglican College came in second on the fundraising leaderboard, raising an impressive $1,332, and in third place on the leaderboard was Lyle Chapman who raised an incredible $1,189.
CleanCo was awarded top fundraising team, followed by The Springfield Anglican College with $2.333 and the Fassifern Fangs raising $1,797.
UniSQ, Park2Park’s Presenting Partner, got the crowd pumped up ahead of the 5km and Kid’s Challenge with fun onstage warmups and exercises. The university team also offered free health checks to all attendees as well as information on study paths and courses.
Longtime local runners Rob Richards, Graham Phillips and Keith Slater were inducted into the 20-year Champions Club, making them the only three people to take part in every Park2Park event since it commenced in 2005, while another 16 runners were inducted into the 10-year Champions Club.
20-Year Champions Club inductees Graham Phillips, Rob Richards and Keith Slater
20-year Champions Club inductee, Rob Richards, has been a Park2Park enthusiast since the event’s inaugural event and was pleased to be back today. Rob, who has completed 27 marathons around the world, including all six of the world majors, said Park2Park was one of the toughest but best courses he’s run.
“I’ve taken part every year because Park2Park is such a big part of the local community,” Rob said.
“Seeing all the people out here for Park2Park, it’s an amazing atmosphere, and it wouldn’t happen without Ipswich Hospital Foundation and the work they do.”
Tim Franklin, known as the man who ran around the world, (also known as Australia’s Forrest Gump), who has recently completed an epic journey around the globe, spanning five continents, 19 countries, and clocking up almost 27,000 kilometres over 576 days, made a special appearance at the event.
After running the 10km course, Tim chatted with fans, helped present Club Champion awards, and spoke about his incredible journey around globe to raise funds for charity.
Mayor Teresa Harding presented Ipswich Hospital Foundation with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Ipswich City Council, congratulating Park2Park on 20 years and thanked the Foundation for its ongoing work and dedication to raising vital funds to support and boost healthcare in the West Moreton Region.
IHF CEO Scott Young with Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding
Hannah Bloch, Chief Executive of West Moreton Health, also spoke to the crowd about the importance of fundraising and the positive impact it makes for the region’s rapidly growing population.
Park2Park’s Supporting Partners, Bank of Queensland Ipswich Riverlink, Club Services Ipswich, Ipswich City Council and Cityhope Church hosted stalls in the Park2Park Mall with giveaways and competitions.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s (IHF) Chief Executive Officer, Scott Young, said that the incredible fundraising efforts by Park2Park participants had seen close to $30,000 raised for health and medical advancements and care in the West Moreton region.
“This achievement highlights the generosity of our community, who embraced the significant changes we made to Park2Park this year,” Mr Young said.
“Their individual and team contributions and donations, and the incredible effort so many people have made to raise funds through their individual Park2Park pages, is a testament to how fantastic and supportive the West Moreton community is.
“Every dollar raised at Park2Park makes a big impact and means that IHF had been able to help support hospitals and health centres across the region including Ipswich, Gatton, Laidley, Esk and Boonah.”
Check out all the info and updates from Park2Park 2024 here.
Donations for Park2Park will be open until 16 August 2024. visit www.park2park.com.au to make your impact.
PRESENTING PARTNER
SILVER PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
