SHELDON author Michelle Worthington and son Tom, 3, will march at the head of the pack as ambassadors for this year's Life's Little Treasures Foundation's Walk for Prems.
Ms Worthington - who gave birth to Tom at 28 weeks, weighing just 1350 grams - wrote her picture book My Brother Tom for families of premature babies.
The book helps older siblings of premature babies to make sense of what is happening at a difficult time. Funds raised through book sales go towards Life's Little Treasures Foundation.
"Being born premmie is a significant event for not only the babies but also the family," Ms Worthington said.
"Most families are not expecting or ready for a premature baby and many families like ours need the support that LLTF can provide. That's why we are so honoured to be ambassadors for the second year running."
Walk for Prems is the largest annual fundraiser for the Life's Little Treasures Foundation, Australia's foremost charity dedicated to supporting the families of babies born sick or before 37 weeks gestation.
The event will be held at 12 locations across Australia on October 27 and has raised nearly $2 million in the past.
The Brisbane walk will be held at Arthur Davis Park at the Sandgate foreshore.
Melbourne ambassador and doctor Simon Fraser said premature birth rates were on the rise.
"(It is) now about eight per cent of births compared with six per cent in the past," he said.
"There are many reasons for this. Prematurity can cause significant financial, emotional and psychological hardship to families and is associated with significant rates of stress and mental health issues for families particularly if they have no support."
Life's Little Treasures Foundation hopes to raise $350,000 this year.
Registration costs $27 for adults, $15 for children and $8 for babies. All registrations include a participation medal at the conclusion of the walk and free entertainment and children's activities at each location.
People can register up for Walk for Prems at walkforprems.org.au.
