A Kilometre Of Coins For A Kilometre Of Burpees

Involving squatting, jumping, planking and push-ups, burpees are an often-dreaded exercise, but a local family is asking Mackay to give them a go for a good cause.

2023 is the third year of Harpertastic, a one-kilometre burpee challenge raising funds for Jeans for Genes.

The event’s inspiration and namesake, Harper Flynn, was diagnosed with multiple rare genetic defects at age two, with her family taking the opportunity to make a difference.

“We’ve named it Harpertastic because Harper is just fantastic,” said Harper’s grandmother Christine Joy.

Fundraising began last week thanks to 4MK and Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins, taking place at Mount Pleasant Centre.

“It all goes towards hopefully finding a cure and treatments,” said Ms Joy.

“They’re not going to be able to cure every genetic disorder or cancer out there, but it’s to make life a little bit more normal.”

Ever since Michelle Flynn’s daughter was diagnosed with multiple rare genetic defects at age two, she and her family have become avid fundraisers for Jeans for Genes, the iconic fundraising campaign of helping to find cures for children's genetic diseases.

Now five years old, Harper can’t walk or talk, but lives a fulfilling life thanks to her family, carers and supporters.

“She doesn’t really let her disability get in the way of what she wants to do every day,” Ms Flynn said.

“She’s pretty active and gets around when she wants to.”

Harper became an ambassador for Jeans for Genes, which is when her family decided on a fundraising challenge to “put her name on the map.”

Now in its third year, Harpertastic challenges teams or individuals to complete one kilometre of travelling burpees, and what better way to begin fundraising than with Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins.

4MK set up in Mount Pleasant Centre last Thursday, accepting donations and laying out coins in a spiral on the floor, with all coins collected and donated to Jeans for Genes.

One gentleman even donated an ice cream bucket full of coins he’d been collecting for four years.

“Mackay is brilliant at supporting community causes and supporting each other,” said Harper’s grandmother, Christine Joy, who owns NRG plus Personal Training.

“People just get behind it; you get a bit speechless at times.”

Taking place on Saturday, August 5 on the lawn in front of the Mackay Regional Council building, the morning kicks off with Grayson's Race for Research, a children’s race in honour of Grayson Little who passed away last year from a similar genetic disorder.

The main event then follows in which individuals or teams of 5-8 complete a kilometre of burpees, plus a surprise challenge to conclude the day, with prizes donated by Base Performance & Recovery and Dispensary.

Mr Kidd was asked to emcee the event three years ago and has been involved ever since.

“We (4MK) just love to help in the community,” he said.

“Being on the microphone and yelling and screaming and geeing everybody up, putting a smile on their face, I like doing that.

“You’re having some fun but you’re doing it for a great cause.”

Ms Flynn admits that while she was always aware of Jeans for Genes, she didn’t understand the work they did until Harper’s diagnosis.

“Before being in that environment, you’re oblivious to what goes on, but once you’re in it and it’s happening to you and your family, you just want people to know that they’re not alone out there,” she said.

Visit NRG plus Personal Training on Facebook for the Eventbrite link to register.

WHAT: Harpertastic 1km of Travel Burpees

WHEN: Saturday, August 5, registration from 7:30pm

WHERE: Mackay Regional Council Lawn

REGISTRATION: Eventbrite

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Back row L-R Mount Pleasant Centre Manager Cathy Sullivan and Michelle Flynn. Front row L-R Rob Kidd, Christine Joy, Madison, Hayley and Harper. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

4MK accepted coin donations at Mount Pleasant Centre for Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins. Photo supplied: 4MK Mackay

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