The Champion Centre - a team of champions.

Thanks to the wonderful team at the Champion Centre, my big brother Nick had the best possible start on this planet he or our family could wish for.

The Champion Centre provides early intervention programmes for families and their children whose developmental progress is at risk, through complex delays and disabilities. This includes children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, extreme prematurity, epilepsy, developmental dyspraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other genetic disorders.

As we’ve said in our family “Down syndrome is what Nick has, not what he is”.

On Saturday 13 February 2021, I’m running Tarawera 100 miler Ultramarathon, in Rotorua. A good few hours of running, (hopefully not more than 30..!) exploring waterfalls, forests, lakes, and enough Aotearoa beauty to keep me beaming.

Ultramarathons are surprisingly actually really fun, and are also guaranteed to bring to the surface a few emotions, stubbornness and strong words and solid self-negotiation as you power through the night and various testing moments; your body and mind wondering why you’re not sleeping or calling it quits.

These ‘moments of madness’ shall we say, are even more meaningful and robust when there is a focus of getting behind a great cause.

It’s a privilege to run ultramarathons, and an even bigger privilege to have Nick as my big brother.

He’s grown into an awesome, confident guy, and that’s largely thanks to his early years at The Champion Centre. And he’s a rock n’ roller, (not to mention a massive ski bunny) from way back, so it’s fitting that the funds I raise through GiveALittle will be going straight to The Champion Centre’s music programme.

So feel free to chuck in a few pennies, whether it’s per km, lap, or a couple of bucks; it’s all very much appreciated and The Champion Centre kids and their families and support networks will be so thrilled.

Thanks heaps for your support,

Belles.

https://www.taraweraultra.co.nz/