Probably not one of my sanest ideas*, but on December 5th, 2009 I am competing in the Busselton IronMan. It's a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and just a wee marathon (42.2km run) to finish the triathlon.
As an added incentive to finish, I have decided to nominate a charity to be sponsored for. Some of you may have viewed a documentary called "Saving Nigeria's Child Witches" which screened recently on the ABC. It is the most distressing documentary I have ever watched and has driven me to fundraise for such a deserving cause.
The foundation is called Stepping Stones Nigeria and works in partnership with local community organisations, delivering education, refuge, heathcare and hope for a brighter future to vulnerable and disadvantaged children such as street children and orphans. Through advocacy and research they passionately campaign at a local, national and international level to put a stop to the abuse of innocent children.
Working on a limited budget, their work with stigmistised, abandoned and torture of so called 'child-witches' is to be applauded and gives the badly neglected and abused children of Nigeria so much more than just a food and a roof over their head.
For further information please visit their website: www.steppingstonesnigeria.org/crarn
Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. Unfortunately, whilst there is an Australian branch of Stepping Stones Nigeria, it is not yet set up for tax deductible donations.
Rough conversion rates: $10 = £5.50 / $20 = £11 / $50 = £27.50
* Stuart Matthewman I am never making a pact with you again - you better do Port Mac!
** A personal update - I have been training 15 - 20 hours per week for this event since September, and am about to go into taper mode for the final two weeks. My body will be very happy about this! A MASSIVELY BIG thank you to Chris Jacka from 'Sustainable Risk Management Australia' for sponsoring my entry fees into all events this year. If your company is in need of some risk management strategies, then http://www.srma.com.au/ is your company!
