Former Foster High School student, Gemma Baldwin, has successfully completed her first marathon to help raise funds for Gippsland Southern Health Service. Her motivation was driven by her mother’s experience receiving care in the Leongatha hospital and her love for running. Gemma’s mother, Donna McIvor (nee Prain), of Foster, was a former employee of South Gippsland Water and greatly loved around the community. She passed away last July after a number of years battling cancer.
Armed with a strong motivation Gemma undertook some arduous training before completing the Runaway Noosa Marathon in May this year. Her time of approximately 4 hours & 20 minutes set a tough benchmark for future marathons.
Gemma’s fundraising efforts were facilitated through a GoFundMe page and support from her family, friends and the local community. The final fundraising tally of $5,530 exceeded her original target. The funds will be put to good use by Gippsland Southern Health Service to continue its provision of health care needs to the South Gippsland community.
Gemma greatly appreciates everyone’s donations and would like to thank all the donors particularly South Gippsland Water. The Water authority staff rallied around by conducting a raffle as well as other initiatives to give the fundraising effort a real boost.