Samantha takes up the challenge to do 10,000 steps a day

RAISING awareness of a disease that affects as few as one in every 3000 Australians is tough, but one Maryborough woman is stepping up to the challenge.

Samantha Rahe with her son Jackson. Picture: Tyson Yates

RAISING awareness of a disease that affects as few as one in every 3000 Australians is tough, but one Maryborough woman is stepping up to the challenge.

Samantha Rahe, has been put through her paces as she undertakes a 10,000 daily step pedometer challenge for the month of May to raise money and awareness for the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia.

It is a cause that is close to her heart as Ms Rahe's 11 year old son Jackson, is affected by the genetic condition known as Neurofibromatosis which causes tumours to grow on the nerves in and on the body.

Her initial aim was to raise awareness of the disease and indeed Ms Rahe's fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"The Children's Tumour Foundation approached me after seeing that I had raised $500," she said.

"They asked if I would like to hold an NF Walk for a Cure event in our home town of Maryborough to raise much more needed funds and to raise awareness."

Today, Ms Rahe has raised as much as $1240 but it doesn't end there.

"I have just had permission ... to host an 'NF Walk for a Cure' and awareness event around the Ululah Park on 17th May" she said.

"This would require assembly of participants at the Lion's Picnic Area at the Lion's Drive end of Ululah Lagoon."

"We will be meeting at noon and then walk one, two or three laps of the park holding balloons and wearing yellow.

"There will also be a sausage sizzle sponsored by Radio Rental taking place in the Lion's barbecue area for a gold coin donation."

Already 20 people have signed up to join the walk, which coincides with World Neurofibromatosis Day.

To donate or to get information on how to get involved, visit nfwalk.everydayhero.com/au/samantharahe.