From Africa to the Outback - help make Ken's marathon dream a reality

Ken is the cook at the Aberdare Ranges Primary School, a school established and run by the not-for-profit organisation So They Can. Ken is integral to the school’s feeding program - ensuring that each child receives 2 nutritious meals a day. However, the contribution that Ken makes to the So They Can community extends far beyond his cooking. Ken is also using his love of running to give back. Last year he set up a run club to share his passion for running with the kids at Aberdare Ranges. The ‘So Kids Run’ program currently has 40 kids enrolled.

Ken himself has had a difficult life. He is a young man, with a lot of responsibility, including helping to care for his brother’s widow and 3 young children.

Ken was kind enough to take me out for a training run when I visited So They Can's projects in Kenya last August. He is an extremely kind and selfless man whose dream in life is to one day win a running event. However, without support, both by way of professional training and logistically to be able to attend a running event, this dream will never be realised.

During recent conversations I have had with the charity So They Can, we discussed how we can support of Ken’s running aspirations and we are looking at bringing him over to Australia to take part in the Australian Outback Marathon in July, which I will be running with some others to raise funds for So They Can's projects in Kenya.

It’s hard to describe the level of our excitement about this possibility. The realisation that one can help an individual take a momentous step in achieving their life dream, and the flow on effect to the broader global community - in Australia where many of So They Can's supporters are based, to the children living in Kenya who know Ken and who will be inspired by his journey and success.

None of the funds we are currently raising for So They Can will go towards bringing Ken over to Australia for the marathon and so for us to make Ken’s dream a reality, I need to figure out how to make it happen financially. I have managed to secure funding for Ken’s flights to Australia. The other costs that need to be covered are:
- entry to the Australian Outback Marathon - approx $700
- flights from Sydney to Uluru - approx $650
- accommodation in Uluru - approx $800

I would be extremely grateful for any support you are able to provide. It would be amazing to all rally together to get behind Ken and break down the barriers to his participation.

Thank you.