Walkers raise $15,000 for Pearl Beach hall

More than 60 walkers have raised more than $15,000 for the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall through the Pearl Beach Challenge five kilometre community walk held over the weekend of September 3 to 6.

"The Pearl Beach Challenge Walk was a sponsored walk on a set course around the streets of Pearl Beach," said Pearl Beach Progress Association publicity officer Ms Lynne Lillico.

"It was designed for individuals and specialist groups to promote heart ailments, orthopaedics, cancer, or simply good health during these difficult times of Covid lock downs.

"Seven teams, totalling more than 60 participants, registered to walk the course.

"The partiicpants were walking for their health and the financial viability of the Pearl Beach Community Memorial Hall.

"The total amount raised will exceed $15,500, and is a compliment to the participants for attracting such great individual sponsorship."

Ms Lillico said of special note were the event "ambassadors" - Ms Bev Lapacek who raised $3300 and Mr Taras Mencinsky who ran the course 20 times for a total distance of 100km.

She said Ms Lapacek became involved after having heart disease symptoms.

She reported Ms Lapacek saying: "Last year I started having symptoms indicative of heart disease, namely an ache down my left chest and arm and sought medical advice.

"A stent was inserted and I thought that would fix things however, five months later, I learnt that other vessels were blocking and in late April underwent a triple bypass.

"I am still undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation program and walking longer distances each week.

"My cardiothoracic surgeon committed to sponsoring me."

Ms Lapacek walked with other heart surgery friends Mr Duncan Bridell and Ms Carolyn Marks as the Heart Beats Team, all having the same surgeon.

Ms Lillico said Mr Mencinsky had a different story.

She said he had told her: "I have run all my life but only started running longer distances once my children were getting older and I was in my late 30s.

"I started with marathons and then progressed to trail marathons and ultra-marathons.

"That's why I love living in Pearl Beach.

"The Brisbane Water National Park is on our doorstep, and I can run literally for a 100 kilometres or more just exploring the many tracks and fire trails within and surrounds.

"The Memorial Hall in Pearl Beach is a meeting place for the residents.

"It brings us together and reminds us of the generations past that we have to thank for what we enjoy now and it is our responsibility to ensure it is here for future generations ".

Ms Lillico said event sponsors included Coast Realty, Personal Eyes and Healthecare.

Pictured are the Heart Beats team of Mr Duncan Bridel, Ms Carolyn Marks and Ms Bev Lapacek

SOURCE:

Media release, 9 Sep 2021

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association