By Esther Lauaki
Angelina Matekohi carries her granddaughter in her heart every day.
The Truganina grandmother’s focus will be on her late namesake, Angelina, born at 23 weeks on April 20 last year, when she takes on the Stadium Stomp charity race next month.
“She had many obstacles to overcome because she was born far too soon,” Ms Matekohi said.
“My Angelina passed away on October 5, 2018.”
Ms Matekohi has racked up five medals from charity walks she completed around Victoria and overseas in her granddaughter’s honour.
For this year’s fundraiser, she will be raising money for Cuddle Cots – bassinets that allow families to spend time with their child after a baby passes.
“I want to fundraise for a cause that will help families that are dealing with the heartbreak of witnessing their baby go through the awful processes associated with premature birth,” Ms Matekohi said.
“[It’s] a charity that will help alleviate a small part of the financial burdens that they face during those devastating times.”
Ms Matekohi and members of her family, who call themselves The Influence Crew, will attempt the Stadium Stomp at the MCG on June 30.
The Influence Crew will take on the stair-climbing challenge, a circuit of MCG seating walking up the steps between every seat on level one, then on level four, before a half-lap of the oval.
The full course can take between 45 minutes and two hours.
Details: www.stadiumstomp.com
