Aedan’s Crusade Australia
Aedan’s Crusade began as a Charity for us to fund equipment and therapies for Aedan who has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. Little did we know it would start us on an amazing running journey. It is now a platform to share our families running adventures, and promote inclusion for Aedan, and encouraging others to get out and have a go. In 2014 Cameron (Aedan’s dad) decided he would run, he completed his first 8km event. He then said I’m going to run a marathon, which he did the following year. Just like that, we became a running family. Aedan would often ask to go for a run with him, we used our beach chair initially and so began their partnership.
They have now completed 5 marathons together, numerous half marathons, and over 100 parkruns each. As a family we have completed some fun all ability triathlons, a number of obstacle courses. Our last being a 10km mud course for a local charity.
Running is a great way for Aedan to get fresh air and sunshine, while spending time with family (mainly dad, mum runs too slow). It makes him smile, and that smile contagious with everyone we meet. (I’ve included my favourite photo of him laughing coming into the finishing Shute at Sydney)
He loves being out in the thick of things, and cheering everyone on, but he also loves the cheers he gets when crossing the finish line. We have been lucky enough to run in some beautiful destinations including Sydney, New South Wales & the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Tasmania is on our wish list. Our favourite course is Baybreak in Hervey Bay, where we call home.
In 2018 we purchased our Hoyt Running Chair. I cannot count the Miles that it has already clocked up over the past year and half. But I know there will be a lot more in the coming months. 2020 is going be a huge year, starting in March with the Baybreak Marathon. It’s a beautiful course along the coastline of the Bay, and the boys are aiming for a time of 4 hours. Mum is competing in her first ever half marathon, and on the Sunday the family will be doing the all abilities triathlon. We are looking forward to wherever our running journey takes us in the future.
-Donna Harris
