About WalkWest Virtual Landmarks Challenge (VLC)
With restrictions preventing the Western Health community from coming together once again for our traditional fundraising walk along the Maribyrnong River, we’ve relaunched our WalkWest VLC - the exciting event that we can still do together, or virtually.
Now, no matter where you live or what hours you work, you can participate. And with 21 days to achieve the goal of 42km (or more), WalkWest VLC is the fundraising event that we can all do to support care for cancer patients in the west!
Challenge yourself to a marathon effort of 42km in 21 days – or distance between Flemington Racecourse and Werribee Zoo –either by walking the distance at home, at your workplace, or in your neighbourhood (in line with State Government COVID-19 regulations of course).
For more about this event see the “How it Works” page.
Note: Some photos used on this website have been taken pre-COVID and not reflect the current PPE standards
Why WalkWest VLC?
Western Health is the second biggest service for cancer care in Victoria. Every year we look after more than 3,000 cancer patients, providing best care around the clock for our community. The funds you raise during this challenge will directly support care for patients undergoing cancer treatment at Western Health.
Anyone of any age or fitness ability can take part throughout the month of November. Challenge yourself! Set your own pace by walking, running, cycling, scooting, skating or cartwheeling your way along the course. You can participate virtually by logging your steps online, or you can walk all or part of the actual track, within state restrictions.
Everyone knows the devastating impact cancer can have on a person’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as the financial impact. It really helps patients to know there are support options available, whether they’re emotional or practical, to help them through treatment and recovery.
Be part of our community in the west. Take pride in our local landmarks, our history, diversity and our future journey, together.
Every week we’ll be adding an extra challenge into the mix (WalkWednesday Challenges) – sharing new local landmarks for you to explore, and extra kms for you to travel!
Join in as an individual or work in a team. The more you can raise is the more you can help. Fundraise over your 42km journey around the west – with the money staying in the west to support our hospitals, healthcare workers and improve the health of those living in our own community
Your compassion will help your health service care for your community.
Where your dollars go
Although we are a public hospital, government funding can only go so far. Donations provide that extra level of funding above our day-to-day operational costs and help to develop new programs and services, facilitate clinical research, secure the latest equipment and further enhance our facilities.
All funds raised from WalkWest will go directly to supporting additional individual care needs for our cancer patients living in Melbourne’s west
Raise $100
This could provide a pack of essential care items to a patient diagnosed with cancer, to help cope with the various stages of treatment
Raise $250
This pays for a patient to enrol in a specially tailored gym package, ensuring they are physically able to meet the challenges of chemotherapy.
Raise $500
Support families who have been impacted by cancer as they try to keep living a normal life. A cancer diagnosis can have a huge financial impact. Your support might help cover one off costs like a special final family photoshoot to ensure memories are made. You’ll also support families who’ve had to tighten the purse strings, so that kids don’t miss out when footy fees, school excursions or birthday parties come up
Raise $1000+
This supports a patient to receive additional emotional, educational, psychological and social support from a health care professional, to help them navigate the complexities of their cancer diagnosis, and reassure them throughout treatment. A cancer diagnosis is scary and these funds can ensure that the patient’s individual needs are met, alongside assistance with wellbeing strategies, to help deliver the best care.
