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Luke Whitcher's Ironman Challenge
Creator   Luke Whitcher
Close at  Monday, 21 June 2010
WHEN: 28 MARCH 2010 -  OR THE 'DAY OF PAIN'!
WHAT: AUSTRALIAN IRONMAN CHALLENGE
DETAILS: 226KM - 3.8K SWIM, 180K CYCLE & 42.2K RUN
TIME LIMIT: 17 HOURS

Thanks to everyone who donated.  I've also received $1,326 in offline donations.

*******************UPDATE - ONE WEEK AND COUNTING ************************

Well it’s less than a week until the ‘Day of Pain’.

 

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far. The support and all the encouraging words mean so much. I’ll be doing all I can to make it to the end – even if I have to crawl on hands and knees!

 

The training’s been … interesting. I’ve been attacked by a kangaroo, had a close encounter with a spider, and some near miss collisions. The practice triathlons have been an adventure too.  My wetsuit split doing the Kurnell Sprint Tri and I got punched in the eye swimming at Huskisson.  But I’m feeling prepared, or as prepared as I’ll ever be.

 

And knowing that it’ll make a difference to my beautiful boy Joshua and his classmates makes it all worthwhile.


****************************************************************************************


So I'm going to take part in the Ironman Challenge... and It makes me feel queasy just thinking about it (especially as I only qualified with 9 mins to spare in the half-ironman last year). I know how tough the hills are & how hard it will be. So why am I doing this?
 
It’s easy to imagine this type of pain – short of breath, tired arms, aching legs. But it’s only 1 day... which is insignificant compared with what children & their carers suffer at the hands of a debilitating mental disability like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE...
 
Imagine being at a foreign airport. You don’t know how to speak the language. People try to communicate. They show you pictures & sign with their hands. The P.A. is like a radio not quite in tune. Just some of the symptoms experienced by people with ASD. Families are the ones waving the signs. Sometimes they break through & sometimes they fail.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I know this first hand. My beautiful boy Joshua has a moderate to severe form of ASD. He’s a wonderful charismatic little fella (& loves the ladies). He’s 8, learning to parrot talk and can climb better than anyone I know. He has a wonderful talent for drawing.

Thanks to the amazing people around him, we have learnt to gain short entries to his little world and we are making improvements all the time. But without the help of autism specific schools such as Aspect South East Sydney School, we would have to take the full brunt of living with this condition. 

I am raising money for Aspect's SES school.  Its a way of saying thank you and will support them with crucial resources to help the kids learn and reach their full potential. 

PLEASE HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH A DONATION, BIG OR SMALL -  JUST CLICK ON DONATE NOW.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

 

    Autism Spectrum Australia ASPECT

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way people communicate and interact socially.  We know that more than one in 160 people have autism that's 130,000 Australians. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is the largest not-for-profit provider of autism services in Australia.  We provide services from diagnosis, early intervention, special schools, programs for adults and family support programs.  With your help we can provide hope and a brighter future for people with autism and their families.

FUNDOMETER
TARGET
$20,000.00

RAISED SO FAR
$9,955.00

Donate Now
SUPPORTERS
SUPPORTERSAMOUNTMESSAGE
Emma Stephenson 50.00Hi Luke, My husband (Luke Littler) did this race on the last month too. Sorry I missed your eamil and didn't donate before the race. Hope you went well. Emma
Bankstown City Council 100.00As per cheque from Govt and Administration
Ben & Fran Whitcher 500.00We weren't able to be there in body but we were there in spirit, love Mum & Dad
St Christophers Dads / Dean Jones 75.00Collection at golf day on same day as Ironman
Michael Walker 25.00Well done Luke
Phil Milton 450.00 
Anonymous 50.00Good luck champ.
Anonymous 100.00Hope it all went well and it doesn't take you too long to recover.
Melanie Thang 50.00Well done Lukie, what an achievement.... I can't begin to fathom the challenges you faced and conquered.....totally inspirational
Debbie Rushby 10.00We admire your determination and courage and wish you well in reaching your goal. Regards The Rushby Family
Transitions - Wetspot / Nashy and co. 120.00From the photo group at 8am today - well done Nashy, Wetspot & Co.
Revesby Workers Club 100.00 
Anthony D'Heureux 50.00 
Alison Bova 5.00Good luck Luke :o)
Cyclespeed 50.00Tell mank to lose some weight. :)
Ellen Winchester 70.00So proud of everything you are doing for the Ironman Luke and everything you and Allie do for your family. This donation is only small this time but I will donate again next week xoxo
Matthew Toscano 50.00 
Awtel Moussa 50.00good luck
Katy Pryde 50.00We are cheering from all the way up here in Queensland Luke. May the wind be at your back and the road be all downhill. Thinking of you. Lots of love. Katy and family xx
Kathryn Matthew 105.00 
Michelle Kershaw 100.00Don't forget to mitigate the the risks!!! Good luck and enjoy.
Maryanne Bautista 50.00You are a role model for all dads out there!!! I admire all the training and effort you have undertaken simply because of your love for your son. You make us so proud.
Ross Naylor 200.00Sunday - you swim, I swim. Can't guarantee the same distance!
MCS Partners 250.00Good luck Luke
Luke Tazelaar 50.00Whitchy, very inspiring buddy. Good luck this weekend, don't get white line fever and take off like a madman, work into it steadily. Bring on the pain, be strong! Taz.
Cindy Collins 50.00Best of luck from Cindy and the girls xxx
peter winchester 250.00run like me dont swim like me, good luck
Curtis & Hayley Maxwell 30.00Pay up Phil. Best of Luck with the challenge
Stephen Doughty 30.00Good stuff. Also, good stuff to Phil to match your efforts personally. My 8yo son is also an ASD sufferer and we have him at the Corpus Christi satellite class after being at St. Kevins for the past few years. ASPECT is great and we have seen dramtic improvements is Sean's communication and behaviours. Good luck on the challenge and with Luke.
David Howard 30.00Add another $30 to your contribution Phil. Good luck to your cousin Luke, he's a champion.
Anonymous 30.00Good luck mate!
Nancy Takac 50.00 
Mick Coulter 50.00Thanks to your cousin Phil...
Matthew Webb 30.00Hey Phil, Pay up fool! Great cause mate. Good luck to you're Cousin mate.
Darren Greene 30.00Pay up Phil, and good luck Luke
Ryan Foyle 50.00 
Dean Jones 50.00Personal Contribution for the cause from Vice Principal
Joel Adams 30.00You're a real inspiration- goodluck
Kate Winchester 100.00Go Lukie Go!! I will be cheering for you from the UK!! I'm so proud to have you as my brother in law- what an amazing guy you are and an awesome dad to Bella and Josh.
Steve Campedelli 30.00Well done Luke
Vanessa Dalli 30.00What an incredible family you are! I know how hard life can be for you guys. Good on you Luke for doing this not just for Josh but for all people on the spectrum. Vannessa Dalli
Farthing West Pty Limited 100.00Luke, a great cause. You are an inspiration. Best wishes from everyone at Farthing West.
Lucas Barry 50.00Fantastic Luke all the best you are an inspiration
Anonymous 50.00Good luck to you all.
John and Sue Winchester 200.00Go Joshie's Iron Man Dad
Gaz Eykhof 50.00What a great effort Luke, i'll be there to share your pain !
Georges River Bull Sharks Life Saving Club 250.00Collection from the club to support the cause
Stuart Akhurst 30.00Goodluck
Anonymous 100.00Wish you best of luck. My god bless you and make you journey an ease.
Philip Antonios 30.00Go hard mate!!
Michael Connolly 50.00Right with you Mate
S Poh 50.00You can do it!!!
Adam Froude 50.00Luke , you are an inspiration to us all. I can remember years ago, when you started training and sharing my swimming techniques with you ... well, look at you know .... one word comes to mind .. AWESOME! I wish you all the very best for the 28th March. Go get em mate . Cheers Adam
Anonymous 25.00 
Sunil Rao 100.00All the very best mate!!!
James Winchester 265.00Luke you have inspired CISCO.This donation is from a group of 30 people people in Cisco. We all got together and thru in either 20-30 people. The article was a big factor
James Winchester 500.00Irish Winchesters are right behind you Luke. Love Sarah, Sam, Jack, the baby on the way and Jim
Glenn Willmette 100.00Well Done Luke - Go Hard.
Martin Thow 1000.00Hope to catch up with you at Port Luke, Cheers Martin
paul mcqueeney 50.00Well done Luke ( $50 per trannies Mindovermatter )
Steve Hume 50.00 
Total Immersion Swimming 50.00Thank you Luke for sharing your moving story and epic mission. It is a beautiful reminder that sport of triathlon connects us to so much more meaning that just swimming, riding and running. Go Well!
THE FREER FAMILY 100.00ENJOY YOUR IRONMAN EXPERIENCE.
Sandipan Ganguli 20.00 
Joseph Sorbara 100.00Good luck mate
Anonymous 100.00 
Ross Naylor 250.00 
margaret coulton 50.00Good luck Luke. Happy to support you. Lots of love to the family. Marg & Gary
Kelly Exeter 50.00Best of luck Luke.
Mandy Gordon 50.00Good Luck Luke, i will be on the start line with you. I look forward to seeing you at the finish line too... cheers Mandy :)
Thomas Richardson 30.00Hi, my wife and I are members of the Cronulla Tri Club. We read about your challenge and special son in Kylee's weekly blurb. Good luck!
Kylee McDonald 30.00Good luck Luke and Alison.
Todd Chappell 100.00Go hard Lukey!
Stephen (wetspot) Bingham 200.00 
Physiosouthwest 50.00See you at Port. You and your beautiful family will be truly inspirational at the tough times during the race. I hope youe enjoy your day. Cheers Katie
Robert Gosling 50.00Good luck in Port Luke,
Steve Ayton 30.00All the very best to you and your family Luke. I will be in Port to cheer you on. Cheers
Peter 'Spud' Murphy 30.00Best wishes for your son, the fundraising and the Ironman. I will be out there with you racing, so hope to see you on the course. Have a great day.
Anonymous 100.00Best of luck in achieving your goal
Joanne Tisdell 50.00Good luck Luke. What an acheivement!
Trudy Grice 50.00Go Luke ! You are a Super Hero in disguise. Best wishes, Trudy.
Carlo Capra 100.00Keep up the good work
Neeve Beharee 30.00All the best!
Zoe England 50.00:-) Thank you.
paul martinelli 50.00 
Hong Tran 30.00Have fun Luke!
Anonymous 50.00Best of luck. Great organisation to support.
P & S Harkness 100.00We hope you really enjoy the race its a great accomplishment.
Bronte Ward 30.00Good on you! Keep us updated on the progres.
Steve Sullivan 10.00 
Christine Matthews 10.00GO LUKE!!!
Vidya Reddy 30.00Wish you all the best!
Sid Pelcz 50.00Well done Luke. Good Luck in the event.
Anonymous 5.00Hi Dad, here's my $5 as promised
Shaun Stenson 50.00All the best.
Gina Saisanas 50.00Best of Luck and don't 4get fill up on Iron Man food
Rachel Barnes 50.00All the best Luke, we will be thinking of you!
Rhonda Robb 30.00Luke, you are AWESOME! Sydney, July '07, who'd have thought it???!!! Go for it, lovely, knock em dead! Wish I could be at the finish line screaming for you!
Alina Pasechnik 100.00go Luke:)
Martin Cominotto 500.00Good luck Luke with the Ironman training and the race, hopefully you don't come across too many roos and bunnies
john powderly 50.00Best wishes and good luck Luke from one tranny to another Cheers Powdo
Laura 10.00Good luck Luke. You're braver than me thats for sure!
Cathy Morrissey 50.00Hi Luke I'm very proud to call you my cousin! Good Luck, I'll be thinking of you. Love to everyone Cathy, Phil,Ashleigh & Shelby xoxoxo
50.00 
Daniel Carter 60.00Good on you Luke! I know you can do it!
Mank 50.00With much love to a little boy I've never met. Hope to cheer you along.
Geoff Mallows 40.00GREAT CAUSE AND i KNOW THAT IT IS DEAR TO YOUR HEART....GOOD LUCK CHAMPION
Ben Tayler 50.00Well done mate!
Anonymous 100.00