Jim Poussard is getting creative during self-isolation to continue his fundraising for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

A running and athletics coach by trade, Jim set out to run 20 marathons in 2020 to raise $20,000 for the RCH Cardiology Department after the team saved the life of his youngest daughter Georgia.

Days after she was born, little Georgia was rushed to the RCH after she stopped breathing. Clinicians discovered that she had a narrow heart aorta and multiple holes in her heart which required immediate surgery. After a month of recovery, Jim and his wife Susan were able to take their baby girl home to join her sisters Samantha and Emma.

“Georgia is now a healthy and active 9 year old. We are so thankful for the amazing nurses, doctors and staff at the RCH. Our aim is to raise funds so that the hospital can continue to help children with heart conditions,” said Jim.

Jim and his daughter Georgia

This year Jim completed 5 marathons before COVID-19 stopped him in his tracks. With some creativity and improvisation, the idea of an “at-home” marathon was born.

Setting out on Good Friday to coincide with the Good Friday Appeal, Jim lapped his Mordialloc home – an 80 meter course – 528 times, cheered on by his family and socially distant neighbours to complete his 6th marathon of the year.

“The donations, messages, cheers from people driving or walking by – made it the best isolation day ever.”

His ingenuity proved successful with an amazing donation response, raising $10,000. Inspired to continue towards his goal, Jim completed his 7th marathon on the weekend, this time extending his course around his housing estate, a 2.9km course which required 15 laps to complete.

“The marathon was a chance to run in my local area, with neighbours, clients and running friends joining me for a lap or two. I would have to say it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable marathons I have run, thanks to great community support and generosity,” said Jim.

Jim does not know when he can return to run an organised marathon event, but with the will to continue his fundraising, there is no limit to what he can achieve. He is now busy planning a marathon course around his suburb in a few weeks’ time.

To support Jim’s efforts, please donate HERE

Keep up to date on Jim’s progress towards 20 marathons HERE