Gym members sweat it out for Starship
Dozens of gym members will be keeping treadmills going non-stop for 24 hours to raise money for the Kidney Kids charity
Hamilton members of a national chain of gyms are set to join a 24-hour challenge to raise money for Starship Hospital’s kidney unit.
The 24-hour Treadathon, a Kidney Kids fundraiser, starts this Thursday, June 28.
The aim is to keep treadmills at all the 26 participating Jetts gyms working continuously for 24 hours to raise money for the Kidney Kids charity.
The proceeds will go towards a Haemodialysis Unit at Starship Hospital. The fundraiser starts at 10am.
Every participant has the option to walk or run a 30-minute or a one-hour slot. Every participant is required to donate $5 and also has the option of seeking personal sponsorship.
Manager and participant at the Chartwell branch of Jetts 24 Hour Fitness, Dean Forman said his motivation to participate came from the respect he shares for Kidney Kids.
“I have worked in fundraising for a very long time and to me this is a very important cause to get behind. It’s also important to get out there and help as much as I can. I just think of it this way, we are giving up 24 hours for these kids that face a brave fight every day of their lives.”
Cure Kids ambassador and kidney patient Chris Nicholson, 23, who was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 13, said these fundraisers also help contribute to camps run for Kidney Kids throughout the year.
“There are a couple of camps run for Kidney Kids throughout the year. One of the camps is for those aged 5-16 years of age and the other is for 16-21 years of age. Our organisation works hard to support all patients and their family. Me and my family will all hopefully be participating come Thursday 28.”
Chartwell Jetts member Kris Wade, 39, said she cannot wait to do her bit to help.
“It’s just for such a good cause and we want to do anything that will help, my daughter is just so into these kinds of things. Unfortunately she isn’t going to be able to compete as the cut-off age to participate is 14.”
So far 30 slots have been filled. The Chartwell Jetts 24 hour fitness still needs people to sign up and give it a go. If interested call 021 325 621 or 0800 Jetts 247.
