Two Feet & A Heartbeat 2026 News Clipping:

Originally posted 12/10/2026 in the South Western Times; Broome Advertiser
Link available here

Author: Seth Carter

Broome locals are being encouraged to put on their walking shoes this October as Heartkids’ annual Two Feet & a Heartbeat annual community walk arrives at Cable Beach.

The fundraiser, in support of children, adults and families living with childhood-onset heart disease is a nationwide campaign, giving communities the chance to celebrate milestones, share stories, raise awareness and honour the lives of those cut far too short.

Every day in Australia, eight babies are born with a heart condition, and many more will acquire a heart condition during childhood. About 250,000 Australians are living with CoHD, with an estimated one million Australians, including parents, carers and siblings, affected.

Levi Minshull was just one day old when a detected heart murmur led to the diagnosis of CoHD. At 11 days old, he underwent life-saving heart surgery, followed by 24 nights in hospital, far from his family’s home in Broome.

This October, Levi and his family will join the HeartKids community at the walk, their second time at the walk in three years.

His mum, Rosalyn, reflected on his journey and the challenges of having to navigate care far from home and the support they received during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

“When Levi was transferred to Perth for heart surgery, our world changed overnight. Being away from our home, family and support network while caring for our newborn baby was incredibly difficult,” she said.

“This event is really important and a good way for all of the heart families in Broome to get together and know that our children are not alone.”

Rosalyn said HeartKids provided vital support through one of the toughest times of their lives.

“HeartKids helped us feel seen and supported during one of the most challenging times of our lives. The kindness they showed our family is something we will always be grateful for and it’s one of the reasons we’re so proud to support HeartKids today,” she said.

“The main goal is awareness and fundraising, and we’re happy to support the walk for the next family that has to go through what we went through.”

HeartKids chief executive Samantha Glastonbury said the walk was a day when affected families and the wider community could stand together.

“Every heart has a story. Every person who walks with us is showing children, young people, adults and families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease that they are not walking this journey alone,” she said.

“Whether you are a heart kid, heart adult, heart parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, supporter, healthcare professional or someone walking in memory of a loved one, this day is for you. We invite everyone to join us as one big heart community this October. Every step honours a heart story, and every heartbeat reminds us why we walk.”

HeartKids encourages people to register for the event on their website, with registrations closing on Wednesday, October 21.

The event begins at Cable Beach for a 3pm start on Saturday, October 24.