Extra Challenge for some

George Konia crosses the finish line on Saturday with daughter Scarlett (2). Photo by Matthew...
George Konia crosses the finish line on Saturday with daughter Scarlett (2). Photo by Matthew Haggart.
A group of multisport goal-setters who conquered Challenge Wanaka have used their participation in the triathlon to raise thousands of dollars for good causes.

Wanaka gym and fitness company director George Konia (41) overcame adversity to complete the 226km triathlon as part of a fundraising mission on Saturday.

Mr Konia, who beat cancer and underwent a bone-marrow transplant five years ago, has raised more than $6000 for the child cancer foundation.

"It was hard enough facing cancer as an adult, let alone having your child undergo the same thing," he said.

Wanaka mothers Debbie McLachlan, Hannah MacDonald and Vicki Sandford competed as a team in the Challenge Half, and, along with full Challenge participant Wendy Davison, helped raise about $350 for Plunket through their website www.givealittle.co.nz.

Mrs McLachlan said the group had wanted to inspire other mothers to try triathlons while doing something for Plunket.

"We thought if we can do the Challenge and help raise funds, then other mums will give it a go too."

Blenheim girl Jacqueline Wyatt (12) has been in hospital for the past two months after she was run over by a six-tonne truck while cycling to school in November.

Her plight inspired fellow-truck accident survivor Richard Mitchell (40), of Dunedin, to raise more than $1500 to assist with Jacqueline's treatment, as part of a personal decade-long battle to regain full fitness.

Dr Mitchell, a University of Otago tourism lecturer, completed the Challenge on Saturday - 10 years after he was told he might never walk again after he was run over by a truck while cycling to work in Melbourne.

He set up his pledge page, www.semi-ironman.blogspot.com, on hearing Jacqueline's story.

- Dr Richard Mitchell was incorrectly named as Andrew Mitchell in yesterday's ODT.

 

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