Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY KYLIE MAIRS
For the past 15 years, the Redlands Diabetes One Walk has brought the community together to raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes research. On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the community will once again rally at Les Moore Park in Victoria Point in support of a future without Type 1 Diabetes.
At the heart of the Redlands One Walk is Jess Ward, whose journey with Type 1 Diabetes began at just 15 years old. Like many families facing a diagnosis, Jess and her mum were suddenly thrown into a world of blood glucose checks, insulin injections and constant vigilance. Determined to turn that challenge into something positive, Jess and her mum helped establish the very first Redlands One Walk – one of many held across Australia to bring the Type 1 Diabetes community together.
What started as a personal mission has grown into a deeply meaningful annual event. Today, Jess continues her involvement alongside her mum, partner, aunty and grandma, forming a truly family-led committee that understands firsthand the daily realities of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Kylie, another local who knows the condition all too well, joined the committee eight years ago. Diagnosed at 11 years old, Kylie has lived most of her life managing Type 1 Diabetes. Now happily married with two boys, she refuses to let the condition define or limit her, staying active by running half and full marathons while balancing family life.
“I first attended the walk at Thorneside about eight years ago,” Kylie said. “I met the team, saw what they were doing, and immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. The walk is such a powerful way to raise awareness and much-needed funds. Every step we take really is one step closer to a cure.”
Together, Jess, Kylie and their small but mighty committee have helped the Redlands Diabetes One Walk raise more than $200,000 over the past 15 years – funds that directly support Breakthrough T1D’s mission of a world without Type 1 Diabetes.
On the day, the park will be filled with a welcoming, festival-style atmosphere, including entertainment, activities for children, and opportunities for families affected by Type 1 Diabetes to connect, share stories and feel less alone.
“Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure yet,” Jess said. “But days like this remind us that we are not facing it alone. The support from the Redlands community over the years has been incredible.”
After 15 years, the message remains the same: hope, connection and progress. With every step taken at Les Moore Park this March, the Redlands community continues to move closer to a future without Type 1 Diabetes.
The event will open at 8:00am, with the family-friendly 4km walk starting at 9:00am. The walk is designed for people of all ages and abilities, and it’s all about participation, connection and showing support – whether you walk every step with your furry friend, push a pram, or simply come along.
For registrations, donations or more information, visit: https://walk.breakthrought1d.org.au/event/walk-redlands-26
