The Cause
Oxfam Australia's vision is of a fair world in which people control their own lives, their basic rights are achieved and the environment is sustained. For more than 30 years, Oxfam Australia has supported opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to exercise their rights to basic social services, sustainable livelihoods, a strong voice and cultural diversity. Poverty in Australia is as harsh and real as it is in developing countries; Australia's Indigenous population – approximately 500,000 people – is the most disadvantaged group in the country in terms of income, unemployment, imprisonment, child protection, health and wellbeing indicators, life expectancy and education.
The Challenge
Oxfam Trailwalker is the world's greatest team challenge. And it's also one of the toughest. The challenge is to get your team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours - and, collectively, to raise at least $1,000 to help to overcome poverty and suffering around the world.
A Word from Oliver Musson “Musson Jewellers”
Our team ‘Tendai Marathon Monks’ finished 65th out of 510 teams with a time of 22:43 hours. All four of us finished.
It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done and I don’t say that lightly. We trained for it, but I must admit I may have underestimated how far 100km actually is J. In reflection, 100km is long enough to make every single muscle in your body hurt. Throughout the event I did question if I would be able to finish, at times I even told myself to drop out. These times passed as soon as I saw the commitment on my teammate’s faces and that of the other competitors. Many times I thought of an old saying a friend once told me, “if you think you’re going through hell, just keep going”. Good advice and although I don’t imagine parts of the ‘Great North Walk’ are like Hell, it sure does feel like it at 2am after 70km of walking.
On Saturday when we finished I told myself “that was stupidest thing I have ever done and that I could happily never go bushwalking again”. However two weeks later, I think it is the greatest event ever and would recommend anyone to try it. The event is fabulously organised, with every volunteer trying their hardest to ease your pain throughout the 100km. The checkpoints are rays of sunshine with all the support crews and volunteers smiling faces lifting the exhaustion from your shoulders.
So in short, I did it and I loved it! But none of us did it for ourselves alone, we did it to raise money for a fabulous charity – Oxfam! Thanks to your incredible support our team has raised over $10,000 and for that I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Warmest regards, Olivar Musson
How You Can Support the Oxfam Trailwalker
To make a donation simply click on this link: http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/donate/
Donations are Tax deductible.
The Tendai Marathon Monks passing through checkpoints in the race.
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