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Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support the Little Jem Foundation Fun Run, honoring families facing tragic loss

Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to support the Little Jem Foundation Fun Run, honoring families who experience the tragic loss of a child, with events in memory of Dusty, Luke, and Benny Daly.

By news@gippsland - 3rd April 2025 - Back to News

Gippslanders have an enormous capacity to unite and offer strength to each other during times of hardship, which is why Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging everyone to support Matt, Amy and the Daly family at the 'Little Jem Foundation Fun Run' on Good Friday.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester alongside Linley Bertacchini, a family friend of the Daly's who has been instrumental in coordinating the Little Jem Foundation Fun Run

Honoring Little Jem

Mr Chester said, "Matt and Amy Daly established the Little Jem Foundation, which assists families in Gippsland who experience the sudden loss of a baby or child, whether during pregnancy, as a newborn, or as a young child, in memory of their daughter Jemma Sue."

"Born 13 weeks premature, Jemma was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Melbourne, where she valiantly fought for her life for eight days before tragically passing away. Each year, Matt and Amy host an event at Newry Golf Club to raise funds to support other Gippsland families."

"In the wake of the tragic plane crash in November that claimed the lives of 15-year-old Dusty Daly and his cousins, Luke and Benny, a community-driven running and walking event raising funds for the foundation has been established," he said.

Join the event

The Little Jem Foundation Fun Run features three events, each paying tribute to the three young men who lost their lives: Luke's Long Haul, 21.3km; Benny's Blitz, 13km; and Dusty's Dash, 5km. Luke's Long Haul will begin at the Macalister River Park in Maffra, Benny's Blitz at the Tinamba Hotel and Dusty's Dash at Brown's Fertiliser in Tinamba West, all finishing at the Newry Golf Club ahead of the golf day.

Mr Chester said fun run participants are encouraged to wear the colour purple, Dusty's favourite colour. "To register for the Little Jem Foundation Fun Run, go to Buy Stripe - Little Jem Foundation website. More information about the event can also be found at the Fun Run's event Facebook page: Heyfield Lions Club 21.3km Little Jem Foundation Run Facebook event page," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com