By BRIDGET COOK
A GROUP of fitness fanatics is going to the end of the earth to support a Berwick woman in her plight to raise awareness and money for a rare brain disease.
CrossFit members from Ultimate Fitness Training (UFT) in Berwick have set themselves a challenge to collectively complete 8848 metres of rope climbs, the equivalent to climbing to the peak of Mount Everest.
The Rope Climbs to Everest event will take place on Saturday 18 January.
UFT owner Denee Lalouette decided to organise the fundraising event to support Berwick mother Melissa Kolbeck who he has been voluntarily training for her own challenge later this year.
Ms Kolbeck is walking from Melbourne to Sydney in April in memory of a six-year-old boy named Talin who died of a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is a type of brain tumour.
The aim of the walk is to raise awareness about DIPG while also supporting two charities – The Cure Starts Now and Bear Cottage.
Mr Lalouette said members were inspired by Ms Kolbeck and wanted to do what they could to support her cause.
“So many of us have seen her work so hard for the past six months or so, in order to get herself to the physical levels required to achieve such a massive goal,” he said.
“Our plan was to do something really big, to help raise awareness for Mel and her campaign for DIPG.
“Because Mel went for something so extreme, we decided to do the same and that’s where the Rope Climbs to Everest idea came about.”
Mr Lalouette said they have started taking registrations for the event, but anyone was welcome to join in to help complete the task at hand and raise money.
“Anyone can get involved,” he said.
“If there are people who wish to participate but have never climbed a rope before, we will be having technique classes throughout January leading up to the day, to make sure everyone is comfortable in climbing.
“Climbers will be asked to raise money through sponsors.”
Mr Lalouette said they were also seeking other support, including donations from businesses for prizes, food services for the day and sponsorship for both the event and climbers.
To find our more or register your interest in getting involved email info@ultimateft.com.au or call 9769 3137.
Ms Kolbeck said she wanted to thank Berwick Volkswagon for agreeing to donate a support car for her walk from Melbourne to Sydney, and urged other businesses to help in anyway they could.
To find our more visit www.touchedbytalin.com.
