It’s time to get behind another Kerr, Bluebaggers.
On Thursday 1 June George McMahon, daughter of former Blue Peter Kerr and granddaughter of the late Laurie Kerr, will embark on a journey to raise awareness and funds for premature and stillborn babies – and she’s calling on the Carlton faithful to get behind her crusade.
In an endeavour to ‘make tracks for tiny totts’, McMahon and friend Hollie will walk and ride for 1700 kilometres across the Australian outback from Alice Springs to Cable Beach.
As the mother of three daughters born prematurely, McMahon is determined to make a difference to the lives of many Australian families and support the Mercy Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN).
“Hollie and I see ‘Alice to Sea’ as a great opportunity to open the lines of communication and generate greater support for families affected by preterm and stillbirths,” McMahon said.
“My family know first-hand the enormous resources required to care for the babies and their families while in the NICU and SCN.
“Mercy Perinatal provide clinical care, education and much-needed research into complications and causes of preterm and stillbirths. They are committed to reducing the rates of stillbirth and ensuring more babies make it home safely.
“This is something that is so important to me.”
George and Ryan McMahon with daughters Maggie, Isabelle and Lily. (Photo: supplied)
Inspired by Robyn Davidson’s 1977 expedition, portrayed in the book and movie ‘Tracks’, McMahon devised her ‘Alice to Sea’ walk prior to undergoing emergency surgery due to complications during her final pregnancy.
McMahon will mark the second-year anniversary of that procedure when she sets off on this 35-day adventure next week.
George and husband Ryan with youngest daughter Maggie in September 2013. (Photo: supplied)
Every year in Australia more than 48,000 newborn babies are placed under the care of the Mercy Hospital’s NICU or SCN with 25,000 babies born prematurely. Devastatingly, five babies are stillborn every single day.
By supporting George and Hollie’s ‘Alice to Sea’ walk, you can help to lower these rates. Simply visit www.gofundme.com/alicetosea, to make a donation.
All proceeds raised will be donated directly to Mercy Perinatal and the Mercy Hospital’s NICU.
You can also follow the pair on their journey via Facebook and Instagram.
