Geraldton community join HeartKids’ Two Feet & A Heartbeat charity walk with local ambassador Oliver Carlyon

Geraldton locals will support a young family on their journey to raise awareness of the impacts of childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia. Three-year-old Oliver Carlyon was diagnosed with complex congenital heart disease at 24 weeks gestation, as well as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) nine days after birth. Despite complications along the way, the young Geraldton superstar got through six open-heart surgeries and a recent operation for a pacemaker insertion. His resilience and determination continues to beam through, even on the days where he is in need of rest and recovery, continuously stunning his family and friends with his bravery. On October 13, Oliver and his family will join the Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk in Geraldton and are encouraging the community to join in and celebrate his strength and achievements. He is this year’s ambassador for HeartKids — a charity organisation supporting Australian children affected by congenital heart disease. Supporters can opt for a 4km walk, which recognises the four young lives lost each week to childhood-onset heart disease, or the 8km walk, honouring the eight babies born every day in Australia with a heart defect. HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann said the charity supported those living through the disease as well as bereaved families who are mourning the loss of a child. “A huge part of the support our family support co-ordinators provide comes after hospital, when mourning and vulnerable families are often feeling lost,” he said. “Two Feet & A Heartbeat is a moment for those families to come together and honour the memory of their heart angel with people who understand what they have been through. “We thank the incredible community in Geraldton for their precious and continued involvement and solidarity over the years, and hope to bring more impacted families the support and comfort they need.” The walk will start at 10am at Midalia Beach.