Tackling Port Macquarie Ironman is worth the pain for Fight For Finn Foundation’s brave team
The wonderful people at Fight For Finn Foundation are chomping at the bit for their 2019 Port Macquarie Ironman on Sunday, May 5, saying their efforts will make life more comfortable for the brave Panania lad.
The Express
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THE wonderful people at Fight For Finn Foundation are chomping at the bit for their 2019 Port Macquarie Ironman on Sunday, May 5, saying their efforts will make life more comfortable for the brave Panania lad.
One of the four founding members of the foundation, Louise Weir, said they have already raised nearly $40,000 for the Ironman contest, through donations, fundraising and sponsorships.
Finn O’Donovan, the son of Rebecca and Ross, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, terminal disease which affects young boys.
Last September Finn — who has two siblings Nia and Ella — was blown away when Batman visited Panania Public School to take him around in his Batmobile.
Fight For Finn Foundation was established to provide care, services and financial support for Finn and to promote Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Carla Condoluci, Louise Weir, Belinda Basha, Melanie Burnicle and Natalie Summerland, all mums at the same school, began the foundation and regularly raise funds for his care.
“A team of mainly local community members, including committee members and members of Finn’s family, are participating in the Ironman,” said Ms Weir, who is also competing.
“We have a total of 35 team members, who are participating in this event to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystophy and funding for Finn’s ongoing care.
“Team members will be either competing in the full Ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, 42km run), half Ironman (1.8km swim, 90km bike ride, 21km run).
“Our teams are also entered into the half Ironman where they compete in one leg each.
“The event has had great success in raising funds by means of sponsorship of our team members and also in sponsorship from local businesses.
“So far a total of $39,000 has been raised.
“Money raised goes towards Finn’s ongoing medical and disability related expenses which will assist in his future care, services and equipment all thanks to our amazing supporters who give so generously.”
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The team have been sponsored by a number of local businesses while Canterbury Bankstown Council donated $2000.
One in 3,500 boys are born with DMD which indiscriminately attacks all muscles in the body, which slowly breakdown and most boys become wheelchair bound by their late primary school years to early teens.
This is often followed by cardiovascular and respiratory difficulties, and life expectancy is in the mid-twenties.
■ To help the foundation, contact: admin@fightforfinn.org.au or 0417 448 829.