The People behind the Melbourne walk

Tracy Busse

Tracy, lives in Melbourne. At age 42, she survived a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) that occurred while she was asleep in August 2010. Tragically, her brother Pierre du Plessis, aged 39, had passed away suddenly just two months before her arrest. Pierre had been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) when he was about 30 and her dad had also had AF. Subsequently two other family members have been diagnosed with AF.

While Tracy’s own condition differs, her experience led her to support heart patients and in 2020 to establish a private Facebook group called 'Sudden Cardiac Arrest Community' to support survivors of sudden cardiac arrest and families affected by unexplained cardiac death.

She has also written about her story and healing journey in her book, ‘Calm Through the Chaos' How to build resilience and thrive in life’.

Tracy’s book is available here.

Belinda Aynsley

Belinda Aynsley, from Sydney, shares her own experience. Belinda and her husband Michael have four children. In March 2017, they tragically lost their third son, Tom, a month short of his 25th birthday. Tom passed away at home suddenly and unexpectedly. Belinda and Tom’s partner found him later in the day. Despite extensive investigation, including genetic testing, a cause could not be found.

While living in the United Kingdom between 2014 and 2020, Belinda participated in community walks organised by CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a UK-based charity supporting families affected by sudden cardiac death in young people. That experience reinforced the value of simple, shared spaces where people could come together without pressure or formality — an approach that has directly informed the development of Walk for Life – Melbourne.

Tracy and Belinda met about a year ago through a mutual contact. Through their conversations, they recognised a shared understanding shaped by sudden loss and unanswered questions. That connection became the motivation to establish Walk For Life – Melbourne.