Hello and thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Since I moved to Australia I've been training to do a triathlon. Having completed the swim leg at Noosa (my first ocean swim!) I've been spurred on to do the lot.

I've decided to do the Mooloolaba Triathalon in aid of FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development). The Mooloolaba Tri is a full Olympic distance triathlon (1.5km ocean swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and is part of the International IRONMAN series.

FORWARD is an organisation that tackles discriminatory practices that affect the dignity and wellbeing of girls and women, including female genital mutilation (FGM).

FGM or 'cutting' comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the female genitalia, or other injury to female genital organs, for non medical reasons. There are no health benefits of FGM and it is recognised internationally as a human rights violation. FGM can cause major obstetric and psychological complications and can even result in death.

Over 130 million women and girls have been affected by FGM worldwide, 500,000 in Europe, 83,000 in Australia and 3,780 in Ireland.

FORWARD work in the UK, Europe and Africa to end FGM, to educate and empower women and girls affected by or at risk of FGM and to train professionals to deal with this issue effectively and sensitively.

Please help me to support this important organisation by sponsoring me for the Mooloolaba Triahthlon in 2017!

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