Here at Austin Health, we are a hard-working, compassionate and dedicated bunch, working hard to provide the best care possible to our patients. It's easy to forget that keeping fit is a really important way for us to maintain our energy. Here's an opportunity to take positive action for your own health to and make a difference for your hospital by taking up the Run Melbourne challenge.

To be held on Sunday July 29th, Run Melbourne is an opportunity to set yourself a challenge, have some fun and raise money for Austin Health. With three distances on offer - 5km, 10km and 21km - there's something for everyone, beginners through to experienced runners. You can run as an individual or really have some fun and create a team with colleagues, family and friends.

Executive Director, Finance, at Austin Health, Natalie McDonald believes it's important for the Executive team to be leading by example, and she plans to walk the 5km distance.

"I'm not a runner, but I'm participating in Run Melbourne to support Austin Health. We can help the people around us to be healthy on a day-to-day basis but we can do something for ourselves as well and lead by example. For me that's what I'm trying to do."

Director of Austin Health's Fundraising Department, Debbie Shiell, is excited about the opportunity this year for staff to fundraise for any area of the hospital they choose.

"In the few months I've been here I've been really impressed with the dedication and compassion the Austin Health staff have for their patients. Joining Run Melbourne and raising funds for your own department is not only another way to help the patients and families you care for so much every day, it is also a way for your families and friends to donate to support you and support the important work you do here.

"There is so much support for Austin Health. For the people who have chosen to run and fundraise for us, to see the staff running for them too will be really powerful. Run Melbourne is an impressive and fun event to be involved in," says Debbie.

Anna Phillips, Executive Director of People and Culture at Austin Health is a keen runner and plans to enter the 5km or 10km distance.

"I'm a runner, I run every day if I can. It is challenging getting up in the dark but I actually enjoy running and it's not hard for me to get up and do it. It's actually when I don't get up and do it that I find I have more challenges to overcome! It's very good for my mental health, running."

For Natalie, her challenge is the usual July winter weather.

"On July 29th it will be cold and possibly wet. But afterwards there will be breakfast and muffins!" says Natalie.

Anna sums it all up with these inspiring words.

"Something that's good for us is good for our people and the people we look after. It's great to get out, do something for a terrific cause and meet some people at Austin that you may not have met otherwise."

Register for Run Melbourne.

• Find out more about Run Melbourne

  It's easy to register your fundraising page and start making a difference!