HBF wishes to thank all of our ambassadors for supporting the HBF Run for a Reason.
Feature story of the week
Sean O’Neill – Five-time Western Australian Triathlete of Year
It’s not often you get to run alongside WA’s best triathlete, but you could find yourself in this position at the inaugural HBF Run for a Reason.
Sean O’Neill is one of WA’s finest athletes, having taken out Western Australian Triathlete of the Year five times. As an early supporter of the HBF Run for a Reason, he says “It’s great to see HBF giving the people of Perth a great reason to get moving as well as raise funds for these vital charities.”
“I’m always behind activities that help people get active, and who knows? It might inspire some people to challenge themselves to start doing triathlons! It doesn’t really matter what sport it is but the key is to get out there and give it a go, it is sure to have a positive life changing impact.“
Remembering the days before he got the running bug, Sean has some training tips for beginners, “Probably your biggest hurdle is going to be the one in your mind. When the going gets a bit tough or you’re sore from training, it’s easy to listen to the persistent voice in your mind that says ‘have a break today, you’ll do it tomorrow’. The problem with that is that as we all know, tomorrow never comes around.”
Sean suggests challenging that inner voice and reaping the benefits. “Remind yourself why you’re doing this and how good you’ll feel at the end of the run.”
Read about our other event ambassadors below.
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"To exercise is to live not to just exist. I'm running in memory of my husband Robert who we lost to suicide in 2008. After the loss of my husband and also his father to suicide, I run to raise much needed funds to assist in the prevention and education of depression and suicide." Alison Braun, Series 3 Biggest Loser contestant Alison Braun has an incredibly inspirational story. She was runner up in the 2008 series of The Biggest Loser having lost an amazing 55 kilos. Since the show Alison has adopted a completely different mindset and is enjoying life, being a strong mother for her three children and is the face of The Biggest Loser Club. She continues to inspire many people on their weight loss and life change journeys. |
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"I wanted to support the Cancer Council as my Mum survived breast cancer and I lost a very good friend to bowel cancer three years ago. It's also a great chance to encourage people to exercise and keep healthy." Simon Katich, Australian Test Cricketer |
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“In memory of my dad who passed away from cancer, for my mum who is a cancer survivor, and because I want to promote the benefits of being fit and healthy.” Jenn Morris Jenn Morris is a dual Olympic gold medalist, representing Australia in Hockey from 1991 – 2000. She was chairperson of the Healthway Board from 2007 – 2009 and is currently a director of the Fremantle Football Club , board member of the WA Institute of Sport and a management consultant with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
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“To reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to raise money for Diabetes WA.” ‘Fitzi’ Brad ‘Fitzi’ Fitzgerald is part of The Crew at Perth’s 96fm as an announcer on the grueling 5.30am to 9.00am weekday breakfast show.
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“As an ambassador of CanTeen (supporting young people living with cancer) I am very aware of how much we can achieve just by giving a few moments of our time…that’s all it takes.” Chris Murphy, Musician I totally support and endorse the HBF Run for a Reason, come on be involved!!
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“I’m running to raise money and awareness for Diabetes WA.” Roger Cook, Member for Kwinana
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“It’s great to see a Western Australian company promoting the general health and well-being message to our community while also fundraising for six major charities.” Lauren Mitchell, Australian Gymnast Several people I know have been affected by skin cancers, and I think that this is a big issue for people in my age group. My success in gymnastics comes from many years of preparation, and I see the action to protect your skin and yourself from some forms of cancer in the same way - prevention is better than cure.
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“To get fit, lose weight and raise money for the wonderful work done by Arthritis WA.” Ric Forlano, Arthritis WA's Executive Director |
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“My reasons for supporting the 2010 HBF Run for a Reason is to encourage our community to exercise and keep healthy.” John Tognolini, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Perth
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“The HBF Run for a Reason is a great opportunity to enjoy our fabulous city, promote a healthier lifestyle and make a contribution to some important Western Australian charities.” Hon Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of WA Many of us need a little encouragement to make the time to exercise. This fun initiative does just that – it provides the motivation to help yourself and the community. I hope many other West Australians get involved in this new event, which will be beneficial to all of us.
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"I am a strong believer in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, and not letting chronic disease get in the way.” Avril Fahey
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“Last year I had my own brush with ill health requiring a quintuple by-pass.”
Geof Parry It brought home to me the importance of good diet and regular exercise. Since my open heart surgery I have lost 10 kilos, I walk five mostly six days a week and watch what I eat. All recommended by the Australian National Heart Foundation.
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“I don’t have any serious health problems but I want to prevent them happening. We spend so much trying to patch people up when we should be working towards making sure if doesn’t happen in the first place.” Howard Sattler Howard Sattler fills the drive slot on Perth’s 6PR, delivering no holds barred news, current affairs, talkback, entertainment and sport from 3pm to 6pm weekdays.
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“I have participated in three fun runs since becoming the member for Nedlands and I strongly agree that Western Australian’s need to be more active.” Bill Marmion I’ve been an HBF member since I was 18 years old and I think the HBF Run for a Reason is a great way to stay active and support six great causes at the same time.
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“Having recently finished nine months of treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma I was only to happy to support HBF in their drive to raise funds for the numerous oganisations involved in the HBF Run for a Reason.” Michael Brennan, Olympic Hockey Player
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“To care for myself and to care for the community.” HBF Family Doctor, Dr Duncan Jefferson
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“I strongly believe in the benefits, both physical and mental, of exercise.” Malcolm McCusker AO QC This project is an excellent way of highlighting its importance and encouraging the community to be actively involved. All six charities which participating in this event will support are known to me and are very worthwhile causes.
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“For the physical challenge and to support an activity that everyone can get involved in.” Sean O’Neil Sean O’Neil is five-time WA Triathlete of the Year and winner of the 2009 Anaconda Adventure Race, Goldcoast. He has a number of a family and friends who have suffered heart related issues and is an avid supporter of events that everyone can participate in – not just elite athletes.
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“Because it delivers on my two key values in life – maintaining good health and giving back to our community.” Rob Bransby Rob Bransby is HBF’s Managing Director. His father died of cancer and his mother survived a heart attack. As part of his health regime, he made a personal commitment to run everyday at 5.00am – a promise he has maintained for over 27 years.
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“To make people aware that walking or exercise can reduce the effects of osteoarthritis dramatically – and to raise money for Arthritis WA.” Mike Pauly Mike Pauly is 70 years old and living proof that osteoarthritis will not stop you from achieving challenging goals. In 2009 he walked across the Nullabor from Fremantle to Melbourne to raise funds and awareness for Arthritis WA.
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“Because I want to inspire people to make the most out of any situation.” Ben Horgan
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“Because I refuse to allow Arthritis and pain to stop me achieving my goals.” Suzie
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“Because now I can – and to change people’s perceptions about who can be affected by Arthritis.” Daniel Dowsett Daniel Dowsett was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when he was 9 years of age. Now 17 and with his condition under control he is looking forward to getting back into sport – especially football. |
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