In December 2012, Vetwest Currambine veterinarian Dr Chad Marriott took part in Ironman Western Australia in an effort to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation of Western Australia. Chad chose to raise funds for the Leukamia Foundation as one of his friends had recently been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, and Chad had seen how the Leukaemia Foundation had helped him and his family during the initial diagnosis and early treatment.
The work of the Leukaemia Foundation includes funding research, providing patients with information about their particular form of blood cancer and providing practical support such as counselling or assistance with transport, accommodation and child care, all of which can make a massive difference to a family going through a very tough time .
Ironman WA is a long course triathlon consisting of a 3.8km ocean swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run, all to be completed on the same day within a 17-hour cut off time. Chad spent most of the year training but significantly picked up the intensity of training before the event. During the final 4 months of training he swam 90km, rode 2600km and ran 560km.
The race took place on December 9, which turned out to be a hot and windy day. It was a tough day out for most competitors due to the conditions and Chad was happy to finish in a time of 13hr 46min. Thanks to generous family, friends, colleagues and clients money raised in the lead up to the race resulted in donations of just over $3,200 to the Leukaemia Foundation.
Further donations can be made at any time through the Leukaemia Foundation website at www.leukaemia.org.au
