OUR MISSION
Empowering Australian Families
We are dedicated to supporting Australians living with Williams Syndrome. Through community-driven awareness and vital fundraising, our drive is to ensure no family walks this path alone.
Join us in making a difference today.
From Local Steps to Lasting Impact
Run for Williams Syndrome began after our daughter, Viviana, was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at five years old.
​
After spending the following year learning what the diagnosis meant for Viviana, for us as parents, and for our family as a whole, we felt called to help raise awareness here in Australia.
​
Our local council hosts an annual family-friendly Sun Run event, where charities can be selected for community fundraising. With the incredible support of Williams Syndrome Australia, we registered them as a charity partner and began fundraising, sharing our story online, and building awareness within our local community.
​
What started as one local event grew into a movement dedicated to awareness and support for Williams Syndrome Australia.Â
​
Today, we continue supporting individuals and families who want to create their own community events to raise awareness and funds for Williams Syndrome Australia. With so many fun runs and community events held across Australia each year, we believe anyone can make a difference in their own local area.
​
What began as small community steps has grown into a movement focused on awareness, inclusion, connection, and support.
​
We walk and run not only to raise funds, but to help create a future where every person with Williams Syndrome is understood, included, celebrated, and empowered to thrive within their community.
Every step taken is a voice raised for our community, creating a future filled with understanding and local support.
Driven by Community
Founder, Fundraising Event Planner & Advocate
Heloise Thrupp
Heloise founded Run for Williams Syndrome Australia after her daughter Viviana was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. Bringing over 11 years of experience across medical, finance and health & wellness industries, she leads community awareness, fundraising and advocacy initiatives focused on inclusion, connection and support for families.
Vicente Parkinson
Operations Manager
Vicente has a niece with Williams Syndrome and is Heloise’s brother. He brings extensive management experience, with a strong focus on organisation, logistics and community support, helping ensure events, partnerships and projects run smoothly while supporting the growth of Run for Williams Syndrome Australia.
Keelan Witton
Keelan’s goddaughter lives with Williams Syndrome. He leads the creative and digital direction of Run for Williams Syndrome Australia, helping shape the organisation’s visual identity, online presence and awareness campaigns. Through thoughtful design and storytelling, he helps communicate the organisation’s mission in a way that is engaging, accessible and community-focused.
Digital & Creative Director
Our Community Impact
Supporting Families
Connecting families to the right people/places for support.
Raising Funds
Vital funds directed to Williams Syndrome Australia for support, education, camps, and research.
500+
Kilometres run and walked by our dedicated community of supporters to fly the flag for awareness.