By JOLENE OGLE
Local university student Tony Jennings is combining his love of endurance challenges with helping sick kids and he’s inviting Noosa locals to join him.
On Sunday 8 August, Tony will lead endurance competitors through a four or eight hour mountain trek challenge up Mt Cooroora, Pomona, and locals of any fitness level can take part.
Anyone who loves to trek through the mountain can sign up for the Mt Cooroora Endurance Challenge with individual spots available, or share the load and sign up as a pair or triple relay team.
Tony, who recently battled cancer, said the climb is designed to be achievable by most people, but can be “awesomely hard or even brutal” depending on how competitors approach the challenge.
“This will be a supportive community atmosphere with all participants competing in small circuit groups with lots encouragement, courtesy and interaction,” he said.
All monies raised from the climb will be donated to a range of children’s charities including Heart Kids, Children’s Hospital and Research Centre Foundation and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
For Tony, the climb is a metaphor for the daily struggle of kids suffering from chronic illness.
“If climbing up and down a piece of mountain track is tough, then think about what chronically ill children and their families go through on a day to day basis,” he said.
“They are constantly challenged with difficult mountains to climb.
“Their lives are a series of ups and downs.
“It’s brutal, yes, but to survive they need to fight and need the support that the charities I am raising money for can give.”
To find out more about the Mt Cooroora Endurance Challenge or to register for the event visit www.mtcoorooraendurancechallenge.com.
