Healthy Strides Space age tech funded by Telethon and MinRes getting kids walking at 2026 Move-A-Thon
Some used wheelchairs, others crutches or walkers, but no matter how they participated, everyone was proud to have a punch at the 2026 Healthy Steps Foundation Move-A-Thon, which showcased the benefits of space-age technology funded by Telethon and Mineral Resources.
About 400 people braved the cold to join the starting line at Elizabeth Baillie Park on Sunday morning.
Many have firsthand knowledge of Healthy Strides’ intensive therapy center, which helps children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.
Founder Dayna Pool started Move-a-Thon four years ago to give youth the opportunity to get active and contribute to Telethon.
Four-year-old Hannah Davis was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after developing rare neonatal diabetes when she was just four days old.
He used the computer-controlled ZeroG harness, developed by Dr Pool, to provide balance and gait support.
“Hannah has made huge gains since starting intensive sessions with Healthy Steps,” said Hannah’s mother, Sarah.
“Today she now walks over 20 meters independently. Without them I don’t think Hannah would be where she is today.”
Dr Pool said Hannah only came to sessions using ZeroG three times a week.
“He exceeded all expectations, exceeded what you would normally expect from children,” Dr Pool said.
“Hannah started walking independently, gained the confidence she needed and had the most successful transition to school.
“This is just one story, but there are many more like it throughout the ages”.
Mineral Resources provided some of the ZeroG funding and on Sunday provided $5,000 in funding support, 3D-printed souvenir bracelets and a team of volunteers for the event.
“It was inspiring to see so many children take part in today’s Move-A-Thon, and our volunteers were happy to stand on the sidelines and cheer on each participant,” said MinRes people director Andrea Chapman.
“What makes this event so special is that these kids are also giving back by raising vital funds for the Telethon, while also showing us what participation is like – kids of all abilities getting active and celebrating every step together.”
Ethan Carlson drove an hour from Mandurah to take part in the Move-A-Thon and has become more active since using ZeroG.
“It allows me to walk without support, and if I fall, it catches me and prevents me from falling face down,” she said.
West Coast Eagles players Harry Edwards and Milan Murdock also attended the march.
“It’s great for the kids. My partner works for Healthy Strides and told me how excited they are to be here,” Mr Edwards said.
Dr Pool said they were grateful to MinRes and Telethon for their ongoing support.
“Move-A-Thon is about celebrating every child, no matter how they move,” Dr Pool added.
“Whether they’re walking, rolling, or using a frame, they’re all champions.
“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Healthy Steps, and events like this give our kids the chance to participate in a community event without feeling different.”
Dr Pool said he was also grateful for the launch of the NDIS.
“I was part of the old system where there was no choice and no control and no room for that innovation,” he added.
“This gave us the chance to offer something innovative and new outside of the current conventional models, and that is the whole reason we exist.”
