Kepler Challenge for EDANZ

Kia ora team,

We are a group of seven University of Canterbury students in our first year of study. We as a group have no running background (with the exception of one). On the 3rd of December we are competing in the ‘Luxmore Grunt’ (27km/1075m vertical) and the ‘Kepler Challenge’ (60km/1350m vertical). We hope in doing so to raise awareness and funds for those suffering from the invasive and controlling illnesses that EDANZ work to support.

Eating disorders are an increasingly prevalent and arguably overlooked struggle in today's society. The pain that this controlling disorder causes on oneself and family is hugely underestimated and the help and support for families in need is far too scarce. EDANZ works in providing support and care for those who need it the most but they simply can't keep up. Too many people are struggling on waiting lists and desperately need support before they meet the threshold to qualify for government aid or hospitalization. We need to remove the need for the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and begin to raise awareness for and help those who need it, regardless of criteria.

The work of EDANZ can completely change the life of somebody struggling with this mental, and physical sickness. That’s what motivates us as a group. We have all personally seen the damage eating disorders can do and in taking on this challenge we hope to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle while raising awareness for such a gruelling illness.

Thank you for your time!