Lauren and Del are bridging the inclusion gap

This Sunday 8 September, over 30,000 people will meet up at Bridge to Brisbane’s starting line as they get set to complete a 5km or 10km course through the city’s vibrant streets and the iconic Gateway Bridge.

Bridge to Brisbane has come a long way since its first race in 1997, which drew fewer than 5,000 entrants. Among them was Del Thistleton, whose daughter, Lauren, joined our Learning and Lifestyle (L&L) services at 18 years old.

Like the many running events Del had completed before, Lauren was at the sidelines, proudly cheering her Mum on and spreading joy to those around her – a sight Del regularly observed.

“Lauren has always had a natural ability to attract people and light up a room,” she said. 

Now 27 years later, they are doing it all again. But this time Lauren is going as an entrant herself! Talk about a full-circle moment!

Del will be pushing Lauren in a jogging buggy, an essential mobility tool that enables Lauren to stay connected with her community.

“I had Lauren’s first jogging buggy made 30 years ago because she is so social and loves being around people,” Del said.

Lauren also enjoys her time at Bowen Hills L&L, where she and her friends are involved in a variety of social activities including the hub’s cooking, op shopping and Discovering Brisbane programs.

Del expressed her desire for more events to be accessible to people with disability so they can fully participate and have the same opportunities as everyone else. 

We can all do a lot more than we think we can. I used to run and do triathlons and just participating in events like that is a great achievement and a social leveller

— Del Thistleton

If you would like to support Lauren and Del’s fundraising efforts, visit their Bridge to Brisbane fundraising page. All funds raised will go towards our cause – supporting people with disability to live, learn, work and flourish.