Pete's pain for Charlie's gain!

Six years ago I completed the marathon leg of the Busselton Ironman. It wasn’t the most enjoyable experience, but I finished and vowed to return one day and conquer the event as a solo.

I estimate I will complete 4,264 km in training over 4 months to prepare – roughly 266 kms per week – so it starts to get a little tedious not to mention tiring.

I was looking for some motivation to keep me honest and I didn’t need to look far.

Little Charlie Blennerhassett (my niece) is my inspiration as I raise money for Conquer Cystic Fibrosis.

Like many 8 year olds, Charlie loves soccer, cooking, swimming and anything to do with the beach. She is very strong willed and a constant source of giggles, joy and challenges for her parents.

Unlike most 8 year olds, Charlie has CF or cystic fibrosis - a life threatening recessive genetic condition which mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. Sadly this illness still takes too many lives way too early. Charlie has daily physio and numerous medications to help with the management of her condition.

Currently there is no cure and the life expectancy for people with CF is 38 years. I'm currently 45 so it's heartbreaking to think that Charlie won't make this milestone unless we find a cure....it's my hope and prayer we find it soon!

Although the Busselton Ironman will stretch me physically, it pales into insignificance when compared with the challenges Charlie, her parents and many other families overcome on a daily basis. Every 4 days, another baby is born with CF.

Love you Charlie! Hopefully, together we can make a difference.

Please, please donate! If you're looking for ideas - 1 cent per training kilometre would equal $42.64 but any amount, bigger or smaller, will be greatly appreciated.

Sit on the couch and be my virtual training partner!

PS The actual Ironman on the day is a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run...