LEETON'S Louise Denniss is no stranger to the walking track, but this month she will be pulling on the joggers for a different cause.
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Ms Denniss is taking part in the Heart Foundation's MyMarathon fundraiser this month where people can walk or run to raise money for the organisation.
MyMarathon challenges people to run or walk 42.2 kilometres throughout the month of October, while also raising money for the Heart Foundation.
Ms Denniss walks most days and expects to easily clock the 42.2km, but will keep going throughout the month even when the target is reached.
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She said people can choose to complete the kilometres in as many or as little days as they like.
Heart health is something that is quite important to Ms Denniss and her family.
"My dad had a heart attack a couple of years ago ... I remember the day like yesterday, it was really scary," she said.
"So from then on, this has always been something I wanted to do something for.
"Dad is fine, he made a full recovery, but it was a major heart attack.
"That's why I think a challenge like this one is good. It encourages exercise and also raising money where it's needed."
The Riverina region has the state's highest rate of heart attack hospital admissions and it ranks 15th out of 28 regions for deaths from coronary heart disease.
The death rate in this region is 65.1 out of every 100,000 people, which is slightly above the state average (64.5).
In terms of heart disease risk factors, the Riverina ranks sixth for physical inactivity rates.
Ms Denniss has set a target of $1000 and has already reached this goal.
"Anything over that is a bonus ... I'm just hoping to raise as much as I can to help the Heart Foundation because they do a lot of great work," she said.
"I love walking, so it was an easy decision to take part."
If you would like to donate to Ms Denniss' MyMarathon fundraiser, visit https://www.mymarathon.com.au/fundraisers/louisewoods17275.
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