Simon Baggs will walk 50 km from Stockton to Swansea. 

Hit106.9 came across the story of Sonny Mitchell Hodson, a 2 ½ year old boy from Charlestown who was found to be developing slower than other children.

After 18 months of extensive testing, Sonny was diagnosed with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder; most affected individuals are considered non-verbal and many do not walk or talk.

Sonny’s parents Sarah and Mitch are determined not to let this define him, however to ensure Sonny can continue to develop, he needs an intensive therapy program at the Neurological and Physical Abilitation (NAPA) Centre in Sydney.

The program is $10,000+ per 3-week session, and Sonny needs to complete 3 of these sessions per year.

After hearing the story, Hit106.9’s Nick, Jess & Simon decided they needed to do something to help.

On Friday 13 April Simon Baggs will walk 50 km from Stockton to Swansea, and Nick & Jess will be on air until he arrives at the finish line.

Kicking off at 6am, Simon will Kayak across Newcastle harbour then head off on the walk through Newcastle, Merewether, Adamstown, Kotara, Charlestown, Whitebridge, Redhead to Blacksmiths along the beach, finishing with a celebration at Swansea where he will hand a cheque over to Sonny.

Hit106.9 is encouraging local businesses to donate $500 or more to sponsor a kilometre, and the Newcastle community has gotten right behind the cause: 2 days after launching on air $7,000 has already been raised for Sonny. 

For more information or to donate, contact Carly Finch, SCA Newcastle Promotions Director, (02) 4945 6826 or [email protected]