North Melbourne vice-captain Drew Petrie is taking time out of his holidays to help raise funds for a very special cause close to his heart.

The local hero and father of two is an ambassador for Run Ballarat; an inaugural fun run aiming to change the face of children’s health in the region by supporting the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital’s children’s ward.

Taking a tour of the hospital on Tuesday, Petrie said it really hit home how vital the redevelopment is and why he’s excited to give back to such an important cause.

“I have two children of my own (Jack, 23 months and Abby, 5 months) and they’re the most important thing in the world to me and my wife Nicole,” he told kangaroos.com.au.

“If they ever become unwell and need hospital treatment, we would want them to have the best possible care just like every parent does.

"Redeveloping the children’s ward here is crucial because it will mean better medical equipment and a range of parental accommodation so they’re close to their kids during hospital stays.”

Petrie will aim to take his family on the 6km walk through the City of Ballarat.

“During my time off from footy I spend as much of it with my family as I can and this is something very rewarding we can do together.

“Being an ambassador for Run Ballarat is just a small way I can give back to my home town and help encourage others to get involved.”

The hospital upgrade will include an enhanced resuscitation area for neonates and infants, chemotherapy for children with cancer, a short stay unit for 24 hour monitoring and an outdoor play area.

Run Ballarat is on Sunday, 21 October with a 12 or 6km run or a 6km walk.

For more information or to sign up visit runballarat.com.au