Cure for Brain Cancer fundraiser Kristen Bartlett with her sons James (left) and Cooper, sitting at St. Patrick’s Primary School’s memorial to Bethany Tout, a much-loved student who passed away after battling brain cancer aged 10. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
She is one of Gundagai’s most recognisable faces and whether she’s in Wagga watching her kids play sport or pounding the pavement near her home before dawn, Kristen Bartlett has been showing up every day and walking 15 kilometres to raise money for brain cancer research.
“It was three kilometres originally, but I upped it to 15 to push myself at the end. I usually start at 4:45 am,” Kristen said.
“I go over to the service station, south and back, and that’s just over eight (kilometres), and then I come home and get ready for school, then on the way to school do three or four laps of Anzac Park, then walk up the hill to school,” Kristen said.
Just the walk up the steep hill to St Patrick’s Primary School in Gundagai is an achievement. The leg-burning incline makes the effort feel even more real before Kristen starts her working day as the school’s learning support officer.
“Then my walk home hits over 15 (kilometres),” Kristen said.
This year is Kristen’s third fundraising walk challenge, but after tearing her calf muscle she had two years off. Now she is hoping to beat her fundraising record of $12,500.
“It’s a funny thing about being in a school in a country town. You get to know everyone, and everyone knows everyone, yeah, and it’s a lovely school. It’s been going since 1890,” Kristen said.
Memorial plaque dedicated to much-loved student Bethany Tout, 10, who passed away after battling brain cancer. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
The inspiration behind Kristen’s fundraising effort is former St Patrick’s student Bethany Tout, who died from brain cancer in 2001 at just 10 years of age.
Bethany’s battle with the disease, and her tragic passing, rocked the Gundagai community. More than two decades later, locals are still determined to ensure she is never forgotten.
The school is home to a much-loved circular memorial known as “Bethany’s Place”, where children sit, play and remember.
“I get a bit emotional about it, but I don’t do it (the fundraising) for the glory or the praise that people may think. I do it to raise awareness and get the Gundagai community to make as much money as we can,” Kristen said.
St. Patrick’s Primary School Gundagai support officer Kristen Bartlett at the garden memorial for former student Bethany Tout, who inspired her to raise money to find a cure for brain cancer. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
Bethany’s father is Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout, who was born and raised in Gundagai.
Kristen’s sons, Cooper and James, say they are proud of their mum’s commitment to helping others beat brain cancer.
“She gets up each and every day, even in the pouring rain,” Cooper said.
“She’s always doing something for others; from shaving her head for charity, giving up her afternoons to train school kids in athletics, and now three years raising as much money as she can for brain cancer,” James said.
Kristen’s fundraising campaign has been extended until 4 July to coincide with a major raffle at Gundagai Services Club, with all proceeds going towards brain cancer research.
Next week, St Patrick’s Primary School will hold its annual Beanies for Brain Cancer Day to round out the school term.
“We call it Beanie Week and the kids get involved, and we walk three kilometres down to Anzac Park. The kids really get into it and get excited so it’s going to be awesome,” Kristen said.
“I’m hungry ’cause I’m burning the calories off, but yeah, 100 per cent, I feel a lot fitter.”
To donate to Kristen Bartlett’s fundraiser for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, do so via Facebook.
Original Article published by Marguerite McKinnon on Region Riverina.
