SINCE 2009, Dan Cummins has raised $45,000 for the charity HeartKids through his annual HeartKids Hillclimb event in memory of his late brother.

The 31-year-old, from Hackett, who works as an electronic technician at ANU and part time as a photographer, says that the HeartKids Hillclimb, where kids can ride in race cars with professionals and watch time trials, is a great way of raising awareness for heart conditions.

According to HeartKids, childhood heart disease is one of the greatest killers of children under the age of one in Australia, claiming more than four lives every week.

“Heart conditions are very prevalent, so the event is a great way to get people talking about it,” Dan says.

“HeartKids works to support families who have children with heart conditions, they give information on what to expect and provide a support network.

“It has been so rewarding championing this cause.”

Dan was inspired to create the event by his late brother Will, who was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away at the age of 12. The brothers had always been interested in cars and Will had collected hundreds of matchbox cars.

In 2009, Dan approached the Southern District Motorsports Association (SDMA) to organise an event that celebrated what would have been his brother’s 21st birthday.

He says: “I have my own race car and had been competing at SDMA Hillclimb events for about 18 months as well as helping out on the committee.

“I wanted to do something that raised money for charity and celebrated my brother’s life. The first year we did it, it was just a fundraising event but the next year, in 2010, it was so popular we got the track solely for HeartKids. We’ve had such good support from everyone involved.

“So far we have raised $45,000 for HeartKids altogether and every year we’ve raised a little bit more at the Hillclimb, this year the target is $14,000 and we’re hoping to sell more raffle tickets.”

The HeartKids Hillclimb will be held on Sunday, March 22, at Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track on Sutton Road.

With up to 400 people expected to attend throughout the day and with a full grid of 40 competitors, guests can enter for free to watch time-trial racing.

Kids will have the opportunity to ride in a race car with a professional around the race track, as well as get involved in other children’s activities. Food and drink will also be available and all donations go towards HeartKids.

Dan says that the children inspire him to do the event every year.

“The temperament of the kids to bounce back from adversity is truly inspiring and despite their condition they have a well rounded enjoyment of life. I have had letters from parents to say they have never seen their child smile so much, it has been such a positive result” he says.

The money raised will go towards research for the cause and treatment of heart conditions, support for programs and co-ordinators and will also give parents the chance to go into hospitals to talk to other families to get an insight into what they can expect, says Dan.

“Being a kid in hospital, it is very difficult to socialise, events like this provide a good support network” says Dan.

“I’m fortunate enough to have a race car and I use that as a positive. If you’re in the position to help people, do it”.

2015 HeartKids Hillclimb, Sunday, 9am-4pm, March 22 at Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track, Sutton Road, ACT.

Visit facebook.com/HeartKidsHillclimb and heartkids.org.au