In memory of my father, who passed away last year, I am running the New York Marathon on 4 November 2007 and raising funds for the Heart Foundation.   

As one of the four largest and most prestigious marathons, the New York Marathon welcomes 37,000 runners from around the world and a worldwide TV audience of 315 million people. Entries are limited to elite athletes or those who are raising funds for charity.  For those that have seen my running style and body shape it probably doesn't come as much of a surprise that the event organisers made the controversial decision not to invite me as an elite athlete.  Not to be deterred, I am one of 24 Australians who are raising a minimum of $144,000 for The National Heart Foundation of Australia (NSW Division).

When my dad was ill last year, I made a pledge that I would help make a difference to the lives of other Australians and their families by giving back to the community and I have chosen to raise awareness and funds for the Heart Foundation.    Since 1959, with funds raised, the Heart Foundation has been funding crucial and life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of the disease that kills more Australians than any other – cardiovascular disease.   This disease – which includes heart, stroke and blood vessel disease – is so heartbreakingly common that almost everyone will be touched by it in our lifetime. Every ten minutes, another Australian family loses a loved one to cardiovascular disease.

Now just about anyone can shave a head or grow a moustache to raise funds for charity (and good on those that do), but not many are willing to take on a real physical challenge and run 42.195km!  Then again, it will take a marathon effort to raise much needed funds for the Heart Foundation - but I will – with your help. 

I invite you to join “Team Rafters” by sponsoring me or attending one of the fundraising activities I’ll be holding throughout this year.