Ron Hosking turned 82 years old in March this year. Instead of putting his feet up he is putting on his runners and pounding the pavement doing 5km every day in May to raise money and awarenss into Sanfilippo syndome. When his daughter started working at the foundation and he became aware of this heartbreaking condition he was inspired to help.
What inspired you to fundraise for the Sanfilippo cause?
I was challenged when I first heard about Sanfilippo syndrome. Childhood dementia had never been on my radar, I've always thought of it as something affecting my generation. The fact it's genetic, there's no cure and most children only live into their teens is not something any of us should accept.
What do you want the wider community to understand about Sanfilippo?
I'm surprised by the lack of knowledge about Sanfilippo in the community and lack of funding for research. Research is the key to finding a solution and this can only happen with funding and support from the community.
Tell us about the challenge and why you've decided to do it?
I'm doing 5km everyday throughout May to encourage others, no matter what their age, to become involved. It's unthinkable that families are robbed of their precious young children because of this disease when medical science is advancing so quickly. The more I can help support faster access to a cure the better.
What are you looking forward to most about the challenge?
So far I've been cycling, swimming and walking, and I'm really enjoying setting and achieving my goal each day.
What are you looking forward to the least?
It gets a bit chilly in Canberra of a morning but it's motivation to move faster.
