Woodend’s Marnie Thorsen is a ‘bloody legend’ in the eyes of the Mito Foundation.
She has been named in the top 30 individual achievers for the Bloody Long Virtual Walk after raising more than $1700 for Australians living with mitochondrial disease.
The event challenged participants to walk or run 35km during August 1-10 to raise funds and awareness for the debilitating genetic disorder that affects one in 5000 people.
The disease robs the body’s cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure. There is no cure and few effective treatments but the walk aims to help change that.
Rising to the task is of particular note for Marnie, 25, who has her own mental and physical challenges.
She’s on a waiting list for corrective foot surgery but hasn’t let that slow her down. Marnie used term three down-time from her typical days at Windarring and Distinctive Options to take part.
Marnie has continued physio at home during the coronavirus pandemic and part of that has included walking various tracks and trails around the Macedon Ranges.
Her mother Bernadette said she had made good progress and was eager to continue her walks with a special target to raise funds for the Mito Foundation.
Marnie began with a modest goal of raising $250 but met the target within days thanks to huge support from family and friends. Soon enough, a new goal of $1000 did not seem hard to meet.
“The walk is a good way for Marnie to give back, as she is usually the receiver of care,” Bernadette said.
“Now that she’s achieved her target she is already talking about what she can do next year.”
Bernadette said the walk had generated a lot of positivity and Marnie had enjoyed encouraging messages from those making donations.
Marnie and Bernadette thanked all who contributed and especially Marnie’s physiotherapist from Mable whose enthusiasm inspired the whole journey.
Donations can still be made until the end of August. If you’d like to add to Marnie’s total visit:
https://event.bloodylongwalk.com.au/fundraisers/marniethorsen/virtual
