Walkers rise early to help raise money for maternity unit

The event was organised by Walk4Babies, a group that devotes its efforts to raising money for the unit.

Participants walked 10 laps of Queanbeyan Park, in the process raising around $2500, with other donations included.

Last year Walk4babies raised more than $4600, which the maternity unit used to buy a neo-natal monitor for one of its birthing rooms.

This year, thanks to a $7800 fundraising trivia night last September at the Queanbeyan Hotel, the group expects to donate more than twice that amount.

Organiser Melissa de Ryck said the group had great support from local businesses, stall holders and the community, as well as emergency services.

Walk4Babies was established by Ms de Ryck's mother, Andrea Daniel, after Ms de Ryck had issues when her daughter Isabella was born.

"Isabella had breathing problems and the equipment the unit had didn't work properly.

"Mum decided she would like to do something to help so she established the group."