This year, funds raised from the event will go to StGiles to assist in purchasing augmentative communication technologies for those with cerebral palsy.

Grammar student and prefect Lachie Moore, who has cerebral palsy, said even if one person benefited from the technology it would all be worth it.

He said he was proud to see his school and classmates rally behind such an important cause.

School headmaster Richard Ford said he was incredibly proud of students each year, but this year it was particularly great to see how they had supported one of their own.

"Every year we seem them not only grow as individuals but as a grade," he said.

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"I think this year, particularly, everyone has grown in their understanding of cerebral palsy and what we can do as a school to help those in the community in need."

The Walkathon grew from a challenge by United States president John F. Kennedy, who said a fit man should be able to walk 50 miles in 20 hours.

The story appeared in The Examiner where it was read by former headmaster Don Selth, who then issued the challenge to prefects over a breakfast meeting.