Sydney Half Marathon, Gold Coast Marathon, City to Surf… all have attracted keen participants supporting HSP research.
Ten people so far this year have entered these major events, raising $13,920 for HSP research in the process. An extraordinary effort of which, not just the participants, but everyone in the HSP community should be pleased and proud.
Ken & Scott on the Gold CoastHeartiest congratulations and warm appreciation for your magnificent combined efforts, not only during the events, but in calling on friends and loved ones, social contacts and work colleagues to sponsor you.
Stephen Flood got the ball rolling for us in 2011 participating in the Sydney Half Marathon earlier in the year, and raising funds for HSP research.
Geoff after completing the full marathonThen the Price Family undertook their annual pilgrimage to the Gold Coast Marathon where Foundation Committee member, Ken and his 3 sons participated. Ken and one son, Scott took on the challenge of the Half Marathon, Matthew and his girlfriend Rachel, undertook the 10km challenge, while their older brother,
Geoff entered the full Marathon for the first time. All finished and survived another year and there is no doubt they will return again next year.
Charles at the finish at BondiSydney’s City to Surf race came around in mid-August. Charles Fellner entered again and said “It was a really good day… although we got a bit wet at starting line”.
Charles 'models' the HSPRF T-shirtAnna and Ryan from Colonial First State also participated on our behalf for which we are most appreciative and thankful. Natalie Lunn, daughter of Foundation Treasurer Steve Lunn and Robyn, went in the event for the first time. Chris Hall said “Natalie did a great job in finishing well under two hours, despite a training injury”. She says she will be back! Chris himself was participating for the eighth time with his team comprising Michael, Mary and Jasper plus a few supporters.
Michael, Chris, Jasper, Natalie, Mary and ChristineChris’ best effort was 66 minutes some years ago. Now he is just glad he can still participate. He said “It was important to complete this great event, primarily on behalf of HSP, and as a personal achievement. I did not really improve on the time from 2010. In fact, I have normally maintained a fairly consistent comfort zone with my life but this C2S shattered that a little. I finished the event well after the formal finish line was dismantled, but the C2S staff erected a small finish line for me to cross, and obtained the C2S medal”.
Chris crosses the finish line at Bondi
Wearing HSP Foundation T-shirts for the first time, Chris said “from the three kilometre mark onwards, we received recognition, praise and goodwill wishes from other participants, as they witnessed myself and the green walking frame with the HSP message on the back of the shirt. I found this to be rewarding. A good friend of mine walked with me, along with my support person, Michael Doyle, and engaged with the public, handing out HSP pamphlets”.
Chris encourages others to enter “Everyone must plan to complete this event at some time in your life, and the sooner the better. Consider it just as a casual Sunday stroll, in your own style, outfit and time, in the Eastern suburbs”.
Michael, Chris & Radhiga ... job well done!
If you feel inspired by these people, it is not too late to sponsor them and reward their magnificent efforts. Individual fundraising pages are still open for Chris, Natalie and Charles at the following web addresses:
