WHEN his boss told him they were putting together corporate teams for last year’s Arrow Experience, Mark Kerridge had no idea it would change his life.
Weighing 132kg at the time, he started training with a colleague from Dawson’s Engineering and realised what was ahead of him.
“To be honest, my life prior to that was pretty sedentary and not very healthy but it was a wake-up call about my fitness and mortality,” 37-year-old Mr Kerridge said.
“But when we registered, it was actually the catalyst for a massive change in my lifestyle. I started going to the gym and eating healthier and I actually lost 25kg. It had a huge ripple effect on my life and I’m really grateful for it,” Mr Kerridge said.
“I have a five-year-old son and I can chase after him now and not have to pull out because I’m too puffed. The healthy lifestyle is just part of my routine now,” he said.
He encourages anyone who is thinking about this year’s event, to take the plunge.
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, this is the second year the event has been held, with funds raised going towards equipment at Cairns Hospital’s Emergency Department.
The MG Arrow Experience is a fundraising walk of the two or four Arrow walks of Mt Whitfield
Foundation fundraising and event coordinator Annette Jarrett is excited about registrations pouring in for this year’s event on July 14.
“We have a beautiful MG3 Core to raffle off – participants can sell tickets in the MG as part of their fundraising – once they’ve paid their registration, they only need to raise $100 each,” Mrs Jarrett said.
“At the end of the day, almost everyone goes to the Emergency Department at some stage in their life so it’s really important to help this team that might end up helping all of us one day,” Mrs Jarrett said.
“We’ve also created a special registration option for families this year, to make it easier for them to enjoy the beautiful walks together,” she said.
Registration is open HERE.
Photos: Foundation fundraising and event coordinator Annette Jarrett chats with participant Mark Kerridge.
Above: Mark's before and after photographs.
