_Community Stories: Oliver Connew completes the New Zealand IRONMAN

Please tell us a little about how you have gone above and beyond to serve your local community

I am aged 30, and a senior building consultant in the Melbourne PMBC team, who recently underwent 12 months of training between March 2019 and March 2020 in order to complete a full IRONMAN triathlon in New Zealand (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run) raising over $8,500 for Parkinson’s Disease sufferers.

Why is this charity so close to your heart?

In February 2019 my mum, Alison, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 58. She has taken to the news unbelievably resiliently, doing everything right to stay healthy, taking a positive and pragmatic mental attitude, increasing volumes of exercise and learning more about the condition. However I felt the need to do something meaningful to help her and others like her to live longer, more comfortable lives.

What do you think is the value of fundraising?

Apart from the obvious, fundraising is equally valuable to the volunteers who undertake it because it provides a sense of direction, a goal and something truly meaningful to contribute to. The communities in which these volunteers operate can draw inspiration from them and one good deed often leads to another.

Image: Oliver Connew, focusing all his energy on the 42.2 km night run, IRONMAN, New Zealand 

What did you learn from the experience?

I learnt that a ‘can do’ attitude is everything. If you believe you can, or if you believe you can’t, either way you are right. I learnt that the little choices are the ones that really add up over a long stretch, which although in this instance was directly associated with training and endurance sport, it can be applied to life in general.

Did your fundraising help to connect you with others and if so how?

Absolutely. I joined a triathlon training group, who have now all become firm friends, as well as speaking to others who I may not normally have, receiving their support and guidance.

Do you think your fundraising has had an effect on your career/work and if so how?

Yes, without a doubt. My new found ‘can do’ attitude has really boosted my confidence in everyday life, including work. I am a lot more patient with myself and realise that meaningful progress and change takes time.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of raising money for charity?

To quote Nike, Just Do It. Whether you raise $10 or $10,000 the sense of achievement and contributing to something bigger than yourself is priceless. Every little really does help.

Do you have any future fundraising plans?

At present, no, although I have definitely got the bug and will no doubt have something in the diary soon enough. 

How did you find out about the opportunity/how can others find an initiative to get involved with?

My initial inspiration came from the heart, with my mum’s diagnosis. This is a great place to start as you will remain passionate about it. Having said that the internet is a wonderful resource to find events and charities to support if there is nothing specific you wish to volunteer for.

Find out more about raising money for Parkinson's Disease and IRONMAN.