Life's Little Treasures Walk for Prems

Thousands are expected to register for Life's Little Treasures (LLT) annual fundraising event Walk for Prems which raises money to support premature babies and their families.

With events held in each state LLT Co-founder Parool Shah-Harrington anticipates this year will be bigger than ever. 'I'm excited about the 2013 Walk for Prems as it's a chance for the community to come together and we have some really wonderful ambassadors encouraging Australians to take part."  Ambassadors include former Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson, Paralympic swimmer Matt Levy, Channel Seven reporter Anastasia Salamastrakis, radio personality Matt Tilley and journalist and media personality Tracy Spicer.

Held at locations around Australia, Walk for Prems is an opportunity for families, friends and the wider community to come together to raise awareness, funds and support for the Foundation. A day out for the whole family, there is a range of activities after the walk, making it a great day of festivities and community spirit.

Channel Seven reporter Anastasia Salamastrakis, whose second son was born seven weeks premature, will be participating in this year's Melbourne event and says 'I think it's a fantastic event because it brings together so many families affected by prematurity. It's a wonderful celebration of all of our unique journeys."

Peter Anderson, PhD, Principal Research Fellow at Murdoch Children's Research Institute, strongly believes in the work of the LLT Foundation. He says Walk for Prems 'is a terrific way of bringing this very special community together to celebrate the many success stories as well as to remember those babies that weren't so lucky. It helps raise considerable money and provides important exposure for a very productive and important foundation."

Each year over 45,000 babies are admitted into neonatal intensive and special care units, that's over 14.5% of all babies born. Their parents and families need support during this emotional time and the uncertain journey ahead. Funds raised from Walk for Prems go towards providing vital services such as; hospital survival packs, iPhone applications, information sessions, telephone support line and a parent support network.