Gavin Malouf is gearing up for what he calls the ultimate challenge to support people living with neuromuscular diseases in the Capital Region and surrounding areas, including the Snowy Monaro. The Canberra-based physiotherapist will participate in Step Up for Muscular Dystrophy, walking solo from the coast to Mount Kosciuszko in a bid to raise funds for Capital Region Muscular Dystrophy (CRMD) and the families, carers, and individuals affected by conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Mr Malouf, who brings more than 30 years of experience in helping people with neuromuscular conditions, said the eight-day trek will begin from Twofold Bay on the South Coast on Monday, 6 October, with an anticipated finish at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko on 13 October. He plans to cover about 30km per day, walking more than 300,000 steps once completed. Events are scheduled along the way in Bombala, Dalgety, and Jindabyne to rally support and boost donations. Mr Malouf said his friend behind the CRMD charity, Rob Oakley, inspired this journey. Mr Oakley lives with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. “I have watched Rob push on and live his life as normally as he can,” Mr Malouf said. “He’s an inspiration and he’s always on the up and full of good intention. He’s done some amazing things for the charity and I wanted to find a way to give back to it and CRMD community. “Rob is a constant source of inspiration. Seeing someone face daily challenges with resilience shows the importance of the fundraiser.” Mr Malouf said the choice to walk to the Mt Kosciuszko summit was to mirror the daily effort someone with muscular dystrophy must make just to move, hoping the journey will raise awareness and empathy while drawing attention to the needs of those living with neuromuscular conditions. “CRMD’s annual efforts drive significant work and during the fundraising, we aim for a target of around $25,000 for this event,” Mr Malouf said. “The response has been positive, with local patients, sporting clubs, and community members already pledging support as the campaign gains momentum in the weeks leading up to the event.” CRMD is a voluntary organisation with a mission to provide practical assistance ranging from medical equipment and condition-management programs to support for families and sports initiatives like powerchair football, which provides an opportunity for children living with disabilities to enjoy weekend sport like anyone else. Every dollar donated to the charity goes straight to those in need. Former Canberra Raider, Sam Williams, will join Mr Malouf and supporters at Club Bombala for Step Up Bombala, a sportsman’s dinner, on Wednesday, 8 October. Brumbies coach, Andy Friend, will also join for an evening at Buckley’s Crossing Hotel, Dalgety on Friday, 10 October. Mr Malouf will host Step Up Jindabyne joined by Brumbies players, Blake Schoupp and Harry Vella, at the Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne on Saturday, 10 October for an evening in the front row. CRMD president, Nigel Jefferys, said Mr Malouf’s walk is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the impact neuromuscular conditions can have on a person’s life and to let people know there are organisations willing to help. Mr Malouf said as a voluntary association, all proceeds from donations and fundraisers go directly to the work. “We don’t always have the answer, but we’ll do whatever we can,” Mr Malouf said. Mr Malouf’s eight-day journey from Eden to Mount Kosciuszko represents more than endurance, it’s a community-driven effort to illuminate the challenges faced by people with neuromuscular diseases and to rally resources that can improve their quality of life. Those looking to learn more or contribute can visit CRMD’s donation page at crmd.org.au/donation Mr Malouf encourages the community to get involved and join in on the walk and fundraising events. Visit crmd.org.au for more information.
