Baldry family marks 11th Bloody Long Walk in honour of baby Henry

FOR almost a decade, Carl and Nicole Baldry have turned heartbreak into hope.

On Sunday, the much-loved Junee couple, joined by their boys Angus, George and Rupert, completed their 11th Bloody Long Walk, a gruelling 35-kilometre fundraiser for the Mito Foundation.

The family take on the challenge each year in honour of their baby son Henry, who passed away from mitochondrial disease at just nine days old.

What began as a deeply personal act of remembrance has grown into a powerful annual tradition that continues to inspire the region and raise vital funds for families living with Mito.

FINISH LINE: Nicole and Carl Baldry with their three sons, Angus, George and Rupert | Photo: Supplied/Nicole Baldry

NINE PRECIOUS DAYS

Henry was born on March 29, 2016, “totally fine”, as his parents once recalled. Within hours, however, it was clear something was wrong.

He was airlifted to Sydney for an emergency heart operation, where he suffered cardiac arrest as his tiny cells struggled to convert the lactic acid his body was producing into energy.

Henry was diagnosed with a severe form of Mitochondrial Disease, or Mito — a debilitating and progressive condition that reduces the mitochondria’s ability to produce energy, ultimately leading to organ failure.

There is currently no cure.

Carl and Nicole had never heard of Mito before Henry’s diagnosis. With two healthy sons already, they had no reason to expect their youngest would be at risk.

Nicole and Carl Baldry with their two sons, Angus and George, and baby Henry in 2016. Photo: Supplied

WALKING WITH PURPOSE

Each year since Henry’s passing, the Baldry family walk in his honour, driven by love, resilience and a determination to spark change.

“Though his time with us was heartbreakingly short, Henry left an enormous impact on our lives,” the family shared through their fundraising page.

“His strength and courage in those early days continue to inspire us, and we walk in his name to honour the love and hope he brought into the world and ensure he is never forgotten.”

Nicole and Carl Baldry with their two sons Angus and George at the 25km mark | Photo: Supplied/Nicole Baldry

This year, Angus and George once again tackled the full 35 kilometres alongside their parents, with little Rupert walking as far as his legs could carry him before joining the support crew to lift spirits along the route.

The Baldry’s know the walk is demanding, but they choose to face it head-on.

“By taking on this challenging 35km walk, our team hopes to honour Henry’s memory, stand with families facing similar battles, and contribute to a future where no child has to suffer from this cruel disease.”

This year, Henry’s Heroes raised an impressive $6,759, completing the Sydney East event under bright skies with the Opera House behind them as they crossed the finish line.

Donations remain open.

FINISH LINE: Nicole and Carl Baldry with their three sons, Angus, George and Rupert | Photo: Supplied/Nicole Baldry

A TOWN THAT WALKS WITH THEM

Carl and Nicole’s openness and courage have left an enduring mark on Junee.

Their efforts have helped raise awareness of a disease that affects roughly 1 in 5000 Australians, many of whom may not yet know they are at risk.

“Mitochondrial disease is a debilitating genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, often with devastating consequences,” they explained.

“There is currently no cure, but with ongoing research and community support, we believe that change is possible.”

HENRY’S HEROES: (from left) Matthew Kachel, Nicole Baldry, Carl Baldry, George Baldry, Angus Baldry, Rupert Baldry, Donna Post and David Post | Photo: Supplied/Nicole Baldry

The Baldry’s say the support they receive year after year means more than words can express.

“We couldn’t do this without the amazing support from the community around us,” Nicole shared with The Bloody Long Walk.

“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, for remembering our beautiful Henry, or learning about him. Through every dollar raised, we get closer to finding a cure.”

“We are looking forward to many more walks and many more blisters!”

You can support Henry’s Heroes by donating here.

A 10TH BIRTHDAY IN HENRY’S HONOUR

Looking ahead, the family is preparing something truly special.

To mark what would have been Henry’s 10th birthday, Carl and Nicole will host a community Mito fundraiser in Junee on March 29, complete with fair-style stalls, entertainment, activities and family fun.

Residents are encouraged to save the date, with more details to be announced soon.