This year, the LINX CCG team raised more than $32,500 for Very Special Kids, a children’s charity that helps more than 900 families who have a child with a life-threatening condition by offering ongoing support, from diagnosis all the way through to recovery or bereavement.

‘Super Dad’ and LINX CCG Group talent acquisition manager Tom Philbin was again one of 1000 participants, which included celebrities and sports personalities, in the Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge.

The Philbin family have been receiving support from Very Special Kids for almost six years.

Monika Marevic, Shauna Gear and Tom Philbin

Mr Philbin’s son Luke, who says he loves going to the children’s hospice, was only six months old when he experienced his first seizure. Six months later he was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a genetic intractable epilepsy.

“My amazing colleagues at LINX Cargo Care Group are stepping up to the challenge for our second year,” Mr Philbin said.

“Not only did we run a treadmill for 24 hours at VSK in Malvern, Victoria, but numerous treadmills were running around the country including Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Griffith and many more all with the aim of having a great time and supporting VSK to beat last year’s fundraising total of $30,000.”

LINX Cargo Care Group CEO Anthony Jones said: “Very Special Kids is a charity that we are very proud to have as part of the LINX Cargo Care Group Foundation.

“Having launched the foundation over a year ago, I am humbled to see our staff get behind this challenge. Not only does it bring awareness of the great work the VSK charity does, it also creates fun and a real buzz across our group of businesses.”

Very Special Kids chief executive Michael Wasley said: “The funds raised ensure Very Special Kids can continue its vital care for children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

“It costs Very Special Kids more than $8.5 million each year to support these families, which is why events like the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge are so important.

“We’re extremely grateful for the fundraising efforts of the LINX Cargo Care Group team. As a charity that relies on community and corporate donations, the support from corporate partners such as LINX not only keep us operating, but are an ongoing validation for the care and support our families desperately need.”

Every year, the LINX Cargo Care’s Autocare Services business transports more than one million new vehicles across Australia from shore to door and processes more than 600,000 vehicles for many of the major car manufacturers.

By John Mellor