Running to support HSP
Sydney’s Sun-Herald City2Surf, presented by Westpac, turned 40 in spectacular style, with a record 80,000 entrants in the world’s largest run creating a colourful human wave through Sydney’s eastern suburbs. A record total of more than $2.7 million was raised for more than 500 charities.
Raising money for HSP research in this year’s event were Charles Fellner (who participated with 7 work colleagues), Chris Hall (with wife Wendy, sister Susan and work colleague Radha) and Therese’s Terriers (Therese Bligh’s family — father-in-law Robin, sons Matt & Sam and nephews both named Joshua). Charles and Chris have both been in the event multiple times, while the Terriers are all first-timers.
Together this energetic and dedicated bunch raised around $10,500 through sponsorships from family and friends for their efforts over the gruelling hilly course from downtown Sydney to the surf at Bondi.
Charles said “The C2S is always a great day out and this year was no exception. The weather was brilliant and the feedback from everyone that I spoke to was that we all enjoyed ourselves. A perfect day.
I organised the team from the company I work for (GBST) to participate and eight of us raised money for various charities along the way”.
Chris said “On the Saturday night before the event, at about 10:45pm, I had raised funds to identify as the tenth highest individual fundraiser, following the donation by ‘Clancy’, but then the individual I had just passed received a donation of $600.00, and Wendy and I assumed the donation was probably from a team of medical practitioners, and hard to beat!!!!
I have run it in the past but this year I walked the 14km using walking sticks to hold me up. It was certainly the longest and hardest C2S I have completed. My wife Wendy, and sister Susan and a good work friend Radha, walked with me. We finished in the honorable position of last, with the time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, but well ahead of over 12,000 participants who did not finish. If capable, I will do it again next year”.
Robin commented “The Therese’s Terriers team was to consist of 7. However David (Therese’s husband) suffered a calf malfunction while training and Jacob (another of Therese’s nephews) hurt his ankle at footy the day before and could not compete. (Editor’s Note: HSPRF Inaugural President Robin Bligh is closer to 80 years old than 70. What a fantastic achievement!)
The results for the 14km for the team were:
Matthew 1 hr 21min and 33sec
Joshua B 1 25 11
Joshua L 1 25 51
Sam 1 39 43
Robin 2 03 10
There were 79,995 others in the event with many in front and many behind when we finished. I checked the team the following day and we were all sore in similar limbs but not sorry. We all soaked up the atmosphere on this beautiful Sydney day and a good time was had by all”.