It’s daunting for any parent to send their child off to school for the first time. It can be a rush of emotions ranging from happy to sad and everything in between.

For parents Kristy and Tim it was all that and more. Soon after starting prep they noticed a change in Daisy’s behaviour and a GP referred the family to the Child Development Service previously located at Nambour.

“The girls (at CDS) were really friendly and very helpful. They gave me loads of things to be able to do at home with Daisy.” Mum Kristy said.

“So even though we only had three sessions, they made a huge difference as we were able to continue them at home.”

Daisy saw an occupational therapist and received speech therapy throughout her time at CDS. Kristy said the environment is fantastic and doesn’t make the child feel like they are at the doctors.

“Daisy wasn’t being poked or prodded at CDS so she actually didn’t mind being there.”

Kristy and Tim are hoping to see more of CDS and now that Daisy has turned six, she is still eligible to be assessed under the six-eight age group banner, which wasn’t the case prior to Christmas.

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Mix Fm’s Give Me 5 for Kids and the 2014 Run Sunshine Coast the CDS team received the funding they needed to move to a bigger location at Wises Road and grow the team by 1.8 extra positions.

CDS can now assess children until they are eight years old which greatly benefits children like Daisy who would usually have to stop treatment once school starts.

To sustain this growth continued fundraising is needed. The 2015 Run Sunshine Coast will see 100 per cent of registration fees going straight to Wishlist to grow the Child Development Service.

Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe is encouraging the entire Coast community to take part in Run Sunshine Coast to help sustain the leasing of space and increase of staff.

“With the expected growth of the region over the coming years the Child Development Service will be in even greater demand and we need every cent of registration fees from the Run to ensure we’re able ensure this expanded service is there for local families for the next few years,” Ms Rowe said.

Once the lease ends at Wises Road, funds will be used to fit-out permanent space at Caloundra Hospital where the unit will be in a position to cater (full time) to the needs of 8 – 13 year olds.

“Every cent of registrations will go towards that cause and the further growth of the service, which is the unique aspect of the Run Australia series of events across the country. We’re so fortunate to have one here on the Coast so we must make the most of it.” Ms Rowe said.

If you would like to register or find out more, head to: http://sunshinecoast.runaustralia.com.au/