A thank you from Larry Leprechaun - look what we achieved!
The last few months have been hectic ... here is an update of Larry’s fundraising efforts.
Funds raised
Firstly, on behalf of our family, I would like to thank you for your generous support of Larry Leprechaun’s fundraising. It is with great pleasure to announce that thanks to your generosity we were able to raise over $39,000 in donations for Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Inc.Considering that my initial goal was to raise $15,000, we are totally blown away with this figure, particularly during such tough economic times. Our fundraising efforts happened to be more than any of the other 32,011 competitors in the 2009 Blackmore’s Running Festival. Also, the cash donations received was the most ever raised by someone for an event via Go Fundraise.
We were also able to raise the awareness of the great work that Bears of Hope do.
The launch of the “Bear of Hope”
The whole purpose for Larry’s fundraising efforts was to raise enough funds so that Bears of Hope could have their very own “Bear of Hope”. On October 10, at their inaugural Gala Ball, the founders of Bears of Hope announced that they now had their very own Bear of Hope (above). It was such a special moment to see such a “big, hairy” goal become a reality. It made all the hard months of gruelling training worthwhile.
The announcement of “Sophie Bear”
During the launch, it was also announced that the “Bear of Hope” would be named “Sophie” in honour of our little girl who we lost last year. It was such a humbling experience & probably the only time in my life that I have ever been lost for words. On the night, we were presented with the very first “Sophie Bear” which we will treasure so much. Sophie’s memory will now live on though each Bear of Hope presented.
Want your own “Sophie Bear”?
I know a lot of people have already asked if they can get one of the Bears of Hope. If you would like your own keepsake – or perhaps wish to donate to someone else - “Sophie Bear” can be purchased for $25 (including postage) online at the Bears of Hope website
Thank you
A special thank you to Bears of Hope, particularly to their founders Amanda Bowles & Toni Tattis, who have helped our family tremendously with the loss of Sophie as well as honouring her in such a precious way. An extra special thank you to my amazing wife Kylie who has been there every step of the way. Finally, a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated & supported our cause. Together we have made a lifetime of difference to thousands of parents across NSW & the ACT.
Hopefully we have also inspired a few people to fundraise in the future and make a difference to one of the many charities around.
And just how did Larry go in the marathon?
Larry won the battle of the superheroes, overtaking Marathon Man at the 36km mark! Unfortunately Larry didn’t win – nor post a qualifying time for the 2012 London Olympics. Overall, he came 2,190th out of 2,796 entrants in a time just over 5 hours. On the day we were meet with conditions (30 degrees) which were not conducive to someone running 42km in a leprechaun outfit & I had to change my strategy accordingly just to complete the race. Two days later the city was engulfed with red dirt – of which I am certain we got some on the day.
After the race, Larry officially announced his retirement from all forms of competitive running. Instead he intends on spending his spare time on climbing up rainbows and fishing for pots O’ gold!
