Steps in the Sand for Kids

I am getting active for the Children's Hospital Foundation

 Steps in the Sand for Kids is a solo charity walk around the entire coastline of North Stradbroke Island. I will be completing the full walk on foot, with the support of a safety vehicle driven alongside the route, to ensure my wellbeing throughout the journey. I aim to complete the walk within seven days.

This walk is both a physical and mental challenge, undertaken to raise vital funds and awareness for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

I am doing this walk in loving memory of my dad, Kevin McCaffery, who passed away on April 11th, 2024, in Gorakshep, Nepal. He was an outstanding leader in paediatric healthcare, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of innovation, compassion, and dedication to children and families.

Dad was an ICU paediatrician at Queensland Children’s Hospital, an officer in the Australian Defence Force Reserves, and a Scout leader, roles that reflected his deep commitment to service, leadership, and mentoring young people. His work helped transform paediatric care, particularly through the development of the Children’s Early Warning Tool (CEWT) and the Guide to Applying the Readiness Assessment, ensuring earlier interventions and improved outcomes for critically ill children.

Beyond his professional achievements, my dad believed strongly in helping others and gave generously whenever he could. The Children’s Hospital Foundation was a cause close to his heart, and continuing that support in his name feels like a meaningful way to honour the values he lived by.

Another reason this walk means so much to me is that my dad always dreamed of taking us hiking across Australia’s major sand islands. While he never got the chance, I’m carrying that dream forward in my own way starting with North Stradbroke Island, and maybe even one-upping him a little by walking all the way around it instead.

Through Steps in the Sand for Kids, I hope to turn loss into purpose and create something that can truly help others.

Please consider donating whatever you can and sharing this page to help raise awareness for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.