Dozens of West Australians are spending the weekend pushing their body to the limit as they dig deep for Telethon.
Fitstop Applecross is among many community groups holding a 24-hour fundraiser, with one of its members, Jaymee-Lee Quarmby, running 5km on the hour from 12.30pm on Saturday.
Over 24 hours, she is planning to run a staggering 120km.
Fitstop Applecross manager Noah Ash said the marathon effort started at the Rowing Pavilion at 12pm on Saturday, with dozens of members joining Ms Quarmby for her first 5km.
He will join her for the graveyard shift from about midnight on Saturday but said he had “nothing to complain about” compared to Ms Quarmby’s gruelling effort.
“We’re pretty proud of the community we’ve built, and it’s so good to see everyone getting around Jaymee and the incredible cause of Telethon,” he said.
“We’ve already had so many people reach out and say they will be there for the finish.
“Telethon is just such an incredible cause, and doing these things is no skin off our back, it’s just doing something that can help the people and families in need.”
Meanwhile in Perth’s north, the inaugural 24-hour swimathon is on at Wanneroo Aquamotion, with nearly 90 swimmers taking the plunge for Telethon.
City of Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken said she had watched Telethon since she was a young child and was proud her local community could give back and get involved.
“Sometimes it’s only a little change that makes a difference, but that little change makes such a huge difference to someone’s life and it’s absolutely fantastic to have that within our city,” she said.
Every dollar raised through these and other 24-hour fundraisers will go directly toward Telethon to support sick children and families across WA.
Telethon is on at RAC Arena tonight on and Sunday, with the action broadcast live on Seven and 7Plus.
You can donate now at telethon7.com/donate