Family shares sad tale
Couple raises awareness of heart disease in kids
A POPULAR Toowoomba businessman and his wife know more than most how important it is to raise awareness of congenital heart disease in children.
Owners of Liebke Tyres Chris and Lorena Liebke lost their daughter Bethany seven years ago to a congenital defect, tricuspid atresia.
She lost her life in September 2011, just three days before her 10th birthday.
Now, the couple are avid supporters of Heartkids Queensland, as a way of returning the support they received while their daughter was in hospital.
This year they are hosting the Two Feet and a Heartbeat charity walk at Queens Park.
The walk is help annually and it is in honour of the four lives lost to congenital heart disease every week in Australia.
The event this year will be a 4km walk. Those who are keen to take on a greater challenge can choose to do the course twice, and tackle 8km in recognition of the eight babies born with congenital heart disease every day.
Mrs Liebke said she was proud to support such a wonderful organisation.
“It is so important to raise awareness of the disease and about all that Heartkids Queensland do,” she said.
“They helped us out so much when we were in hospital with Bethany.
“For us, to see as many people walk at the Two Feet and a Heartbeat event is one way of repaying the team at Heartkids for their support.”
The walk will be held on Sunday, September 9 from 10am at Queens Park.
Early bird tickets can be purchased at heartkids.org.au.
Adults are $30 online or $35 on the day, children between one and 17 are $7.50 online or $10 on the day.
A family pass for two adults and three children can also be bought for $70 online or $80 on the day.