Several hundred walkers hit the pavement to support the Walk for a Cure for Diabetes fundraiser at Thorneside's Beth Boyd Park, this morning.
Diabetes educator Claire Childes, a nurse from Redlands, organised today's walk in conjunction with Kristyn Ward.
They got plenty of support from Redland City Council, Bayside Diabetes Support Group, Bay FM, Redland City Bulletin, St Johns Ambulance and local businesses who sponsored raffle prizes.
Ms Childes said the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation held walks all over Australia every October and, last year, the two women decided to organise one in Redlands.
"Working as a nurse and Credentialled Diabetes Educator, I hear and see how much Type 1 diabetes affects the whole family and the walk is a great way for parents to network in our ‘chill-out zone’ over a coffee whilst the kids have fun,” Ms Childes said.
Ms Ward said her involvement started when her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 15.
"As a parent, I would do anything to make her better, but as I can’t, I decided the best thing I could do to make her life easier was to raise money to help find a cure, and to raise awareness of this disease."
Last year the pair raised more than $10,500 for the foundation and had about 250 participants.
This year, the event was bigger and better.
Bayside Runners and Walkers lent a hand helping with the barbecue and registrations.
Mayor Karen Williams, whose daughter was recently diagnosed with the disease, and councillors Lance Hewlett (Div4) and Division1's Wendy Boglary and Division 10's Paul Bishop and Capalaba's Steve Davies were on hand to cut the ribbon to start the walk.
Musicians The Grubs, entertained the crowd and a jumping castle and face painting was put on for the kids.