Darrel Chapman Fun Run raises $11,000 for Our Kids

The Darrel Chapman Fun Run is an event where everyone’s a winner.

Today Southern Cross University was proud to hand over $11,000 to Our Kids to help improve health services for Northern Rivers’ children at the Lismore Base Hospital.

Our Kids deputy chair Suzette Pearce and fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista received the cheque from Associate Professor Wendy Gilleard, Deputy Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences, and other University students and staff who helped coordinate and run the event.

Also present were Lismore mayor Cr Jenny Dowell and Barbara Chapman, the wife of the late Darrel Chapman.

“It’s a great partnership,” said Our Kids' Rebekka Battista.

“The University students get to put all the knowledge they’ve learnt into a practical experience that benefits them and Our Kids, too.”

University lecturer Greg Downes said 15 students studying a unit called Sports Facilities and Events had just 12 weeks to organise this year’s fun run on Sunday, May 15, which attracted 476 competitors.

“The learning experience for the students, to be given the opportunity to plan, manage and hold a successful event, is invaluable,” said Mr Downes.

“Not only that, they realise that their efforts are benefitting children within the local area and they can see where efforts go. We visit Lismore Hospital, we look at how the funds are going to be utilised so they get a sense of that connection.”

Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science student Jessie Stewart is currently completing an internship at Lismore City Council as part of her degree.

“From sponsorships, media and marketing, to logistics, planning and team work, the Darrel Chapman Fun Run got me ready for my internship,” Jessie said.

“It gave me an insight into what events management is all about before going out and doing it in real life.”

Ms Battista said the funds will go toward purchasing much-needed paediatric equipment for either the special care nursery or the children’s ward.

“The Darrel Chapman Fun Run is one of our major fundraisers and features prominently on the Our Kids calendar,” she said.

The Darrel Chapman Fun Run is held annually in honour of respected academic and local sporting legend, Darrel Chapman, who passed away from bowel cancer in 1992. Mr Chapman captained the South Sydney Rabbitohs and went on to represent his country in the 1959/60 Kangaroo rugby league tour. He was also instrumental in the formation of the North Coast Academy of Sport, SCU's School of Exercise Science and Sports Management, and the New South Wales Academy of Sport.
Photo: Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista (centre) with Darrel Chapman Fun Run organisers, SCU students Jessie Stewart (left) and Lorin Death.