Thurgoona father Luke Arcus left Sydney’s northern beaches in 2012, but it’s his city connections that will see him tackle 20 kilometres of sand and rising tides along the Great Ocean Road.
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He will run the Sanfilippo 1000 – Big Feet for Little Feet challenge to raise money for research into a rare genetic condition which causes fatal brain damage.
Sanfilippo Syndrome is referred to as a childhood disease because most patients never reach adulthood.
A foundation focused on the condition was created in 2014 by Sydney mother Megan Donnell following the diagnosis of her children, Isla, 7, and Jude, 5.
Mr Arcus said he was part of the tight-knit community rocked by the diagnosis.
“I’m good friends with relatives of the people whose children have the disease,” he said.
“A relative of mine’s mother teaches at a childcare centre were it all came to light when they found out.
“It’s a disease that affects the brain, bringing on early-onset dementia, which then starts to affect other parts of the body.
“They have two kids in the same family with the condition.
“I’ve got children, so you understand if something like that was to happen to yours - it’s just devastating.”
Mr Arcus, a regional franchise owner of Fastway Couriers, and three friends will run 100km between them along remote beaches, cliffs and bush hinterland.
“Some people are doing 100km alone, but we’ve decided to tackle it as a group of four – considering we’re all over 40, it’s probably a good idea,” he said.
“I will be starting at 5.30am, running in knee-high water at some parts but I’m basically going along the sand from Anglesea to Torquay.
“It will be tough, we have to finish the whole event by 1.30 the next morning.”
At the inaugural run last year, six competitors ran through Albury in a relay from Melbourne to Sydney.
Mr Arcus said any anticipation about the challenge was eased knowing what benefits his efforts would have.
“Knowing what those kids are going to go through, to be in any sort of pain you’ve got to suck it up,” he said.
“There’s lots of causes to support, but it’s so devastating for this family and any support is appreciated.”
To donate, go to: http://www.sanfilippo.org.au/my-fundraising/4284/andy-dom-luke-and-sarah.