For families with sick kids, sleepless nights are sadly part of the reality, along with long hours of worry, uncertainty, and the constant strain of being far from home.
On Saturday 21 March, thousands of West Australians will step into their shoes through the Up All Night Walk, a 42‑kilometre overnight trek supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities WA.
Among them is one of our own, Alfie Reeves, who is taking on the challenge for the first time, driven by a heartfelt desire to support families doing it tough.
“Many of these families travel from regional areas, juggling medical uncertainty with the cost of accommodation, travel, and time away from home,” Alfie said.
“These pressures are huge on their own, without everything else they’re dealing with. I just want to do what I can to help.”
Alfie said that he first heard about the event years ago, but it wasn’t until members of his walking group began discussing it that the idea quickly turned into a shared commitment.
“A few of us thought it would be a great challenge, and an even better cause to raise money for,” he said.
For Alfie, the motivation is personal.
“I have a daughter, and I’ve been fortunate that she hasn’t had any major illnesses,” he said.
“But when she was young, she had hip dysplasia, so we spent a fair bit of time at Princess Margaret Hospital. That experience made me want to give back.
“If I can do something that supports someone else, I like to give it a go. Every little bit counts.”
Preparing for a 42‑kilometre overnight walk is no small feat, and Alfie has been steadily building his endurance. He said he is also focusing on the practical essentials: the right shoes, the right socks, and the right shirt. He knows the toughest stretch will come late into the night.
“From the 30‑kilometre mark onwards, it’s going to be pretty difficult. There’ll be fatigue, soreness, and rubbing. I’ve still set myself a personal goal – aiming to finish in under six and a half hours,” he said.
Despite the physical challenge ahead, Alfie said he is most excited about the sense of shared achievement.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the people I’m doing this with finish,” he said.
“They’ll have achieved a personal goal and done it for a good cause.”
Alfie will be walking at his own pace – headphones in, music and podcasts on – while the rest of his group aims for a slightly longer finish time.
Fundraising is a core part of the event, with each participant required to raise at least $500. For Alfie, the purpose behind that target is what matters most.
“It’s not about supporting me. It's about supporting Ronald McDonald House and what they offer families in times of need,” he said.
“It’s humbling to know that what we raise can support people who are in a worse position than we are. It brings you back down to earth and puts things into perspective.
“I’d love to reach $2,500 because then you can be confident that the funds raised exceed event costs and more money goes directly to supporting families.”
For Alfie, the walk will represent both a personal milestone and be a reminder of what community support can achieve.
“Achieving a challenge like this is special,” he said.
“It’s a marathon distance, even if it’s not running. Being able to do it and knowing the support is going to families who need it, that’s what matters.”
If you’d like to support Alfie’s fundraising efforts, you can visit his page: https://www.upallnight.org.au/fundraisers/alfiereeves
Every contribution, big or small, helps provide a home away from home for WA families with sick kids.