Help Catherine compete at Natural Olympia Bodybuilding Champs in Las Vegas!

Bodybuilding/Body Sculpting has always been on my bucket list. This journey started in 2002, but was cut short when I was called up early for IVF treatment. My husband and I were blessed with the arrival of our twins, and well the last 13 years has been busy being mum. I knew I would eventually tick this off my bucket list at a later time.

In 2014 I was diagnosed with melanoma on my right cheek. It took 5 procedures, each one removing more and more of my face before this cancer was removed. My final op was a skin graft, the graft site coming from my neck. As a woman and sometimes a vain one at that, having these scars on my face and neck and the strange looks I got shook my self confidence to the core. At times I thought I would never look normal. In 2015 I had scar revision to help fix up these ugly scars and they are now almost invisible.

At the beginning of this year I decided I was going to focus on me and my physical health. I joined the gym, got a PT and took on a nutritionist. My brief to them was, I wanted to train and eat like I was going to compete in a body building comp without actually doing one. As the months went on and the transformation became more noticeable, I thought it was time I faced my fears, get on a stage and compete. So I put my big girl undies on and the fun and games began. In 8 weeks I worked harder than I thought possible, and on the 27th August I competed in my first bodybuilding completion. I competed in Taupo at the INBA South Pacific Natural Bodybuilding Championships. I placed 2nd in the Senior 40+ Physique class and 3rd in the Novice Physique Short class. I had the time of my life and enjoyed every second. I came home with my trophies and a grin from ear to ear, and that was that – bucket list ticked. Then yesterday I received confirmation that I had qualified to represent NZ and compete at the Natural Olympia Bodybuilding Competition in Las Vegas in November!

This amazing event is the largest Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition in the world, with nearly 1,000 of the best amateur (that’s me) and pro natural athletes coming together to compete.

I need your help to pay for flights, registration/entry fees and accommodation for myself and my amazing and supportive hubby.

This is a once in a life time opportunity that I know I must partake in, and I know I will regret it if I miss out on this amazing honour. If I’ve learnt anything, life is too short for regrets.