Fran Collett - Running for their Lives

On September 19th I am planning to run the 50km Ultra-marathon event at the Tauranga Marathon. I am aiming to raise as much money as I can for the Graeme Dingle Foundation in the process as a part of our epic multi-marathon campaign: 12 - Tekau ma Rua.

The 12 - Tekau Ma Rua Campaign is a Project K mentor (and fellow board member) Deb Gee's effort to complete 12 marathons in 12 months and to encourage as many people as possible to join in on their own run. I have been an active and passionate supporter of the Graeme Dingle Foundation for many years, serving as both a trustee and (currently) as Chair of the board. My role as a teacher at Mount Maunganui College means I have seen Project K in action and have witnessed the extraordinary impact the programme can have for our most at-risk rangatahi.

Project K is a 14-month programme designed for Year 10 students. It involves three parts (wilderness adventure, community challenge and an individual mentoring partnership with a trained mentor). Project K focusses on building confidence, teaching life skills, promoting good health, relationships and encouraging a positive attitude. The aim of Project K is to arm rangatahi with a belief in their own ability to complete tasks and achieve goals, and to help them find purpose and direction, transforming their lives.

I love taking on new challenges and pushing myself to my limits; and I am excited to test my endurance in this race. I hope that by running I can further contribute towards helping our young people to reach their full potential while also role-modeling commitment, dedication, discipline and community service to my students, our Project K cohort and my own children. It is so rewarding to be a part of our community and the positive change that Graeme Dingle foundation WBoP is creating every day for our young people.

What am I running for? I am running for their lives!