SYDNEY NORTH BLOODY LONG WALK TO CURE MITO GETS STAR POWER FROM PAT CUMMINS

On Sunday (31 July), around 1,650 people will strap on their best walking shoes in an effort to beat
mitochondrial disease (mito) walking 35km from Palm Beach to Manly in Sydney.

And while he won’t be on the actual walk himself, Australian Test Cricket Captain Pat Cummins has
thrown his weight behind the event with a special video pledging his support.

The Bloody Long Walk raises funds and awareness for mito – a devastating disease that robs the body’s cells of the energy they need to function properly.

Mr Cummins has signed on to be honorary vice-captain of the Noah’s Ninjas team, headed by young mito sufferer Noah Barlow.

“Noah, you’re a bloody legend and thank you, I’m incredibly honoured to be selected as vice-captain of your team, Noah’s Ninjas, for the Bloody Long Walk,” Mr Cummins said in a video post on Instagram and Facebook, sporting a Noah’s Ninjas headband.

“I’ll be proudly wearing this headband and stand alongside you as part of the Mito Movement to support those with mito. Thanks for taking me under your wing, mate, all the best and together we can bring mito to its knees.”

Mito Foundation founders Doug and Margie Lingard tragically lost two children to mito. They enter a team in the Sydney North walk every year and have raised almost $30,000 this year alone.

“We know firsthand just how devastating mito can be,” Doug and Margie said.

“No parent should ever have to face losing a child, let alone two. We promised our daughter Rose we would fight to find a cure and that’s why we have committed to participating in the Bloody Long Walk every year to raise money and awareness for this important cause.

“There is still time to register and donate – so we encourage everyone to jump on bloodylongwalk.com.au and get involved.”

Mito Foundation CEO Sean Murray said he looks forward to walking at the Sydney North event.
“Mito is a debilitating and potentially fatal genetic disorder,” Mito Foundation CEO Sean Murray said.

“More than 50 babies are born each year that will develop a severe or life-threatening form of mito. That’s almost one every week.

“Sadly, most children diagnosed with mito die in the first five years of life. Although this is such a cruel
disease – the public knows very little about it and that’s why events like the Bloody Long Walk are so
important.”

An estimated one in 200 people, or 120,000 Australians, carry the genetic change that puts them at risk of developing mito or passing it on to their children. There is no cure and few effective treatments.
Mr Murray said the response by participants has been outstanding so far.

“We are thrilled to report that we have already raised around $220,000,” Mr Murray said.
“All money raised will help us deliver support services for mito families and patients facing his debilitating disease, while providing hope for the future by funding promising research.”