The Sunshine Coast Bloody Long Walk will have more 1200 people in support for the Mito Foundation

Coast parents Joel and Sarah Wood will channel their daughter’s fighting spirit when they set off on a “bloody long walk” in support of families like theirs.

Joel and Sarah Hood's daughter Maeve is the face of an event this weekend to raise awareness about and money for mitochondrial disease. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Coast parents Joel and Sarah Wood will channel their daughter's fighting spirit when they set off on a "bloody long walk" in support of families like theirs.

More than 1200 people are expected to set off on a 35km walk on Sunday in support of the Mito Foundation.

The Woods will be walking for their daughter Maeve, who has mitochondrial disease - a debilitating, potentially fatal, genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of the energy they need to function properly.

Maeve, 5, fell ill at 6 months and was diagnosed with mito disease at 18 months.

She stopped growing and wasn't able to eat in the initial stages and with her terminal illness, she only has a life expectancy between 5 and 8 years.

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Mr Wood, 35, said coping was his daughter's condition was very hard early on but was amazed to see how she dealt with it.

"She cant walk without the aid of a walker, she is non-verbal and she uses a feeding tube to eat," he said.

"She is aware of the things happening around her and she points around the room to best communicate.

"If you were to see her at the park or at the kindergarten she goes to you wouldn't be aware of the condition she has."

This year walkers will have an extra spring in their step after the recent introduction of the Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve's Law) Bill 2021 into federal parliament in March.

The passing of law is the hoped to be next step towards preventing mitochondrial disease (mito) in future generations.

"This year is probably the most important year as the Federal Government is talking about legislation and that's why were trying to give them all the ammunition required so we can see this law passed," said Mr Wood.

Joel and Sarah Hood's daughter Maeve is the face of this event to raise awareness about and money for mitochondrial disease. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Mito Foundation CEO Sean Murray said the event is part of a nationwide initiative which supports families affected by mito.

"So far, the response on the Sunshine Coast has been unbelievable for this event, multiple teams have already raised more than $125,000 for the cause," Mr Murray said.

"The truth is every week in Australia one child will develop a life-threatening form of mito - that's 50 Aussie kids a year. Yet most people have no idea that the disease exists.

"All money raised will help ramp up our support services for mito families, which is critical as our nation continues to navigate the global pandemic."

This weekends event will be the fourth walk the Wood family has participated in.

Mr Wood said it was incredible to see how many people got involved and helped spread awareness.

"In the past it has been really good to see the support the event generates not only from the fundraiser perspective but also seeing everyone getting involved and helping spread awareness," he said.

"I know we're looking forward to it and it's a really nice day not to feel alone."

The Bloody Long Walk will start at 6am at Coolum Beach before participants walk alongside the beautiful Maroochy River, through to the picturesque Alex Forest conservation area and finish at Mooloolaba beach.

Participants will walk for more than seven hours, clocking up nearly 47,000 steps.

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Originally published as The Sunshine Coast Bloody Long Walk will have more 1200 people in support for the Mito Foundation