First responders help raise awareness of epilepsy

The First Responders Team The First Responders Team

 

The First Responders team, made up of members from Geelong West Fire Brigade, a paramedic, and an emergency doctor, recently took part in the 2025 Treadmill Challenge in Richmond.

 

The event is part of the national Walk for Epilepsy campaign, raising funds and awareness for a condition that touches so many families.

Seventeen teams lined up for the Challenge, including football clubs, media personalities, corporate groups and fitness fanatics. The rules were simple but tough: keep a treadmill moving for two and a half hours, with the furthest distance covered earning the win. On the start list were big names such as Mark Philippoussis, Andy Maher, Brett Ratten and Neil Balme.

The First Responders decided to make their mark by running in full operational kit, complete with turnout gear and breathing apparatus.

Despite finishing somewhere in the middle of the results table, the team took out one of the most meaningful honours of the day — the Team Spirit Award.

For those involved, the cause could not have been more personal. Every member of the First Responders team has seen the impact of epilepsy up close. Paramedic Rob and Geelong West Lieutenant Stephen Robertson both have daughters living with epilepsy.

Speaking during the event, Stephen shared that the Epilepsy Foundation has been a lifeline for his family since his daughter Charlotte was diagnosed at just five months of age.

"The Foundation has been a sounding board for us since Charlotte’s diagnosis. In the past 18 months she has been in ICU twice as a result of seizures. Knowing there’s an organisation standing beside families like ours makes a world of difference,” Stephen said.

Epilepsy affects one in 25 Australians, with around 270,000 people currently living with the condition, including about one in 200 children.

The First Responders’ effort was about more than distance. It was about heart, teamwork, and showing that when we come together for a cause, we can make a real difference.

 

  • Running in BA on the treadmillRunning in BA on the treadmill
  • The team had a small network of supporters attend The team had a small network of supporters attend
  • One of the team's inspirers finished off the last few minutes on the treadmill One of the team's inspirers finished off the last few minutes on the treadmill
Submitted by Stephen Robertson