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Marathon virgins running for mental health awareness

  • We all raised more than $1500

      4 December 2023

    Fundraiser has just closed and, thanks to each and every one of you, we raised just over $1500 for IAMHOPE.

    Matthew and I are so grateful to each and every person who has supported us with donations and encouragement.

    We honestly don’t think any of you realise just how much motivation was generated by your support.

    As with any endurance race, there were times when negative thoughts crept in. All we had to do was think of all of you who had offered words of encouragement, generous donations or were even just following live on Strava. We didn’t want to let any of you down.

    When we reminded ourselves of your support, the negative thoughts disappeared like magic and were replaced with a steely determination to live and love every single moment of the marathon.

    We still can’t believe how enjoyable we found running 42.2kms and it was all thanks to each and every one of you.

    Thank you 🙏 🥰

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  • Page closes this weekend

      28 November 2023

    The fundraiser comes to a close this weekend. Please feel free to share with your contacts to maximise our chances to fundraise for this great cause.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 04/12/2023 by Denise

      Well done both of you.

      A very important cause. Mental Health Awareness is so important for everyone.

  • WE DID IT!!!

      18 November 2023
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    Matthew and I crossed the finish line in a time of 5 hours and 14 minutes. Your support made so much difference to us today and will go on to make so much difference to the lives of people in need of some support. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts ♥️

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    • 19/11/2023 by Denise

      Proud of you both, well done. 🥳

  • Checked in

      17 November 2023
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    Both checked in and ready to go tomorrow.

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  • Cold and rainy in Queenstown

      17 November 2023
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    After a disastrous journey to get here (that will have to be an update all of its own) it is cold and rainy in Queenstown this morning.

    Less than 24 hours until race start, just catching the bus back to the airport to collect our hire car (the office was closed by the time I arrived last night).

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  • One week to go!

      10 November 2023

    One more week to the big day!!!

    Living in different cities, Matthew and Mark have been training separately and are excited to meet up next week for the main event. Being our first ever full marathon, we don't really have any idea how long it will take us but we are determined to make the most of the day and enjoy the run and the stunning Otago scenery. 4-5 hours? Perhaps more, we don't know and don't really care just as long as we get to the end under our own steam.

    We have signed up for a 5km shake-out run on Friday evening, the day before the big event. Funny how 5km used to be a long run and now it's just a warm-up!

    Thank you to all those who have donated, your generosity will help so many at-risk youth in their hour of need. Love to you all xx

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    • 19/11/2023 by Denise

      You & Matt did the hard work, so credit to you both for running for such a good & needy cause & for spending lots & lots of your own money to get to Queenstown to do the Marathon.