Locals from school students to a mum are taking part in this weekend’s City to Surf in Sydney to support causes they care about.
The massive fun run from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach has become a national celebration of life, with health charities often the biggest recipients of money raised through the event, with this year being no different.
Whether the goal is a personal best time, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of an iconic event – a team of almost 220 from The Armidale School will be making their presence seen at this Sunday’s City to Surf run in Sydney, to help raise money for spinal injury.
Whatever their reason, all will be supporting the Guns Out for Tombsy Spinal Foundation, set up to assist TAS Old Boy and former Wallaby Richard Tombs who has been largely confined to a wheelchair since he received a critical neck injury while playing soccer in 2018.
It’s been six years since TAS last fielded a team in what is believed to be the largest event of its kind in Australia, but enthusiasm hasn’t waned, with 148 students, 15 staff and 54 parents pulling on singlets to run, jog or walk the 14km from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.
“TAS has always encouraged our students to challenge themselves, but also support others, and the City to Surf is a wonderful way for them to do both and assisting one of their own,” said Challenge and Service Coordinator Jim Pennington.
The last time TAS took part it was the largest school group registered in the event – not bad considering it requires a 16-hour return bus trip and logistical challenges including accommodation, with the boys staying overnight in St Ignatius College Riverview gymnasium and the girls, staying at Sydney Boys’ High School boatshed.”
The event is also a qualifier for the TAS Triple Crown challenge award for those runners who complete the course in under 100 minutes.
“That so many are keen to be take part says much about their character. But it also wouldn’t be possible without the support of others including St Ignatius College and Sydney Boys’ High,” Mr Pennington said.
At the other end of the spectrum, local mum Erin Saville to help raise awareness and find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and support her son Rory.
“This cause is very close to home, with my son being diagnosed earlier this year.”
Duchenne is the most common progressive muscle wasting disease in childhood, affecting mostly young boys. There are 1000 boys living with Duchenne across Australia.
“I am trying to fundraise $5000 for Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation, to help give those affected by Duchenne the chance to live the life they deserve,” she said.
Erin was hoping to raise $7500 through her donation page, but her total as at the time of writing was over $12,000.
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