NRL Clubs Kick A Goal To Support Save Our Sons Charity Walk

A Father's 157km Journey

On the eve of the launch of the footy season, players from Sydney's most iconic NRL clubs (both past and present) and celebrity ambassadors will join a team of Save Our Sons walkers who will set off on an arduous journey around Sydney to raise money for young boys who will never get a chance to kick a football.

The 2018 Walk To Save Our Sons, supported by national partner Chemist Warehouse, will take place from March 1- 7 travelling between Sydney NRL Clubs along a challenging 157km route to raise much-needed funds and promote awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Sponsored walkers will push young boys with DMD in their wheelchairs, stopping at NRL Clubs along the route so the boys can meet their hero players and receive a signed jersey.    

DMD affects 1 in 3500 boys and, in rare cases, girls and there is currently no cure.  Money raised by Save Our Sons, which receives no government support, has funded 11 different research, clinical trials and studies nationally and globally.  Funds raised will also be used to assist families impacted by the condition, on medical equipment to improve the quality of life of these children, and to employ an around-the-clock specialist nurse in every Australian children's' hospital.

In addition to support from Sydney's NRL clubs, the Save Our Sons celebrity ambassadors embarking on the Walk include Home and Away star Lynne McGranger, actor and entertainer Johnny Ruffo, Seven Network presenter Karen Ledbury, rock-legend Angry Anderson, sports stars Terry Lamb, Dene Halatau, Steve Menzies and Bill Harrigan, sports commentator Michael Ennis, and boxing superstars Jeff Fenech and Billy Dib.

Given the love these young boys have for football, the Walk To Save Our Sons will start from the home ground of the Penrith Panthers, Panthers Stadium, and travel to several NRL Clubs including the Paramatta Eels, the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs, the West Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and will finish at the Cronulla Sharks with one aim – raising awareness of Duchenne.

During their journey the walkers will also be stopping at several Australian landmarks and visiting supporting Chemist Warehouse stores along the walking route.

Save Our Sons was founded by Elie and Nancy Eid in 2008 after their son, Emilio was diagnosed with DMD.  With the support of Chemist Warehouse and other generous sponsors, Save Our Sons has raised over $8 million to help find a cure for Duchenne.

"Pushing the wheelchair is a particularly important part of the Walk as it signifies the difficult truth that families such as mine face. Every step we take is for every child who can no longer walk," Elie said.

"The wheelchair is where all children with DMD end up and unless we find a cure, it's the only thing we're left with when this fatal condition takes them from us at such a young age.  We are pushing this wheelchair on behalf of every parent who is fighting for a cure."

Save Our Sons is also supporting children and their families living with Duchenne by providing life-saving equipment including stand-up wheelchairs, sip ventilators, cough assist machines and motorised scooters.

"While we are awaiting a breakthrough, we are committed to providing those with Duchenne the highest standard and quality of life, guidance, support, care and comfort," Elie Eid said.

"Through funding research, improving care and raising awareness we will make a difference in the lives of every boy, young man and girl living with Duchenne and enable them to live a life with meaning, dignity and comfort."

"Chemist Warehouse is again proud to be the national partner for 2018. We are committed to fighting for a better future for Emilio, and all those affected by DMD and strive to find a cure by supporting this incredible charity in any way we can," CEO of the Chemist Warehouse Group, Mario Verrocchi said.

Following the conclusion of the walk, the team will journey to Melbourne for the annual Melbourne Gala to Save Our Sons hosted by venue partner Crown Casino on March 24^th, 2018.

For further information and to get involved and donate to the Walk to Save Our Sons 2018, please visit: saveoursons.org.au.