Suzanna steps up to honour son

AS 50,000 Queenslanders train for The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 2, a Lockyer Valley family has stepped up their preparations for the event.

Suzanna Proos will take part in the event for the first time to raise funds for Autism Queensland in honour of her autistic son, Cody.

She won't be alone, with her partner, Anthony Hughes, joining her in his wheelchair along with their friend BJ Denton.

"Since Cody was diagnosed, Autism Queensland has been there to help out funding packages of up $12,000 for things that he needs," she said.

"Every year we have wanted to do the walk to give something back for the help that we received."

"We have already raided about $500, just through friends and family."

This year sees free public transport for participants, a new charity partner Kids Helpline and the new fundraising initiative - Hero Time.

For every dollar a participant raises, one second will be taken off their finish time, equalling a Hero Time.

The more money you raise, the faster your Hero Time.

This is a first and will be supported with a commemorative results magazine post event with official race time and Hero Times.

The fastest Hero Time for the 10km and the 5km will each win a Suzuki vehicle, with a third Suzuki given away randomly on the day.

Since the first 4500 runners in 1997, more than 300,000 people have been a part of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane raising an incredible $3.71 million for charities during the previous 15 years.

To donate to Suzanna's team, go to fundraise.bridgetobrisbane. com.au/teamcody.