A record number of people gathered on the Sunshine Coast this morning to march in honour of murdered school boy Daniel Morcombe.

Nearly 2,000 people walked from Woombye to Palmwoods to help raise child safety awareness.

Alicia Bolton reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It was a sea of red through Palmwoods this morning when, despite the rain, nearly 2,000 people took part in the seventh annual Walk for Daniel.

It was especially significiant this year, it is the first Day for Daniel since police searchers discovered his remains.

Premier Anna Bligh, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson and rugby league footballer Shane Webcke were among those who joined the walk.

The Morcombe family was overwhelmed by the show of support, in what turned out to be the biggest event yet.

Denise Morcombe, Daniel’s mother: “We had just over 1,700 people here join the walk. Everyone’s in red, and everyone’s happy and it’s been a really good day.”

Dean Morcombe, Daniel’s brother: “It’s just really good to see a lot of people supporting a good cause just to say that it’s not right to do wrong by innocent children.”

The Morcombe’s say support for the foundation has grown dramatically since the walk began in 2005. Today’s event is just one of many happening around the nation.

Vox 1: “I’ve been to the event every year now and each year it’s gotten better and bigger and it’s just great to see such local support.”

The Foundation posted 6,000 free DVDs to schools and more than a million children across Australia have taken part in safety activities today.

Bruce Morcombe, Daniel’s father: “The underlying message of Day for Daniel is we want kids to return home at three o clock from school with more tools in their kit bag on how to keep safe than they had when they arrived at nine.”

Vox 2: “Our school is holding a day for daniel today, we’re all wearing red shirts and donating a gold coin.”

Recent developments in the case have lead to an increased interest in child safety and Daniel’s legacy, The Daniel Morecombe foundation.

Bruce Morcombe, Daniel’s father: “Since August 13 the exposure and interest in the foundation has been quite overwhelming.”

Alicia Bolton, QUT News