Kilograms lost will equal dollars in the hands of a children’s charity when Latrobe Valley residents train with Richard North this month.
The personal trainer is motivated by combating increasing waistlines and helping a worthy cause to host morning group sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June to raise money for SIDS and Kids.
For every kilogram a participant loses, Mr North will donate $1 to the charity which helps prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and supports bereaved families.
“I came up with the concept on Monday and thought I could have the challenge of losing 50kg in 30 days together, a bit like a mini-Biggest Loser,” Mr North said.
“I thought I’d make it an affordable price too, to try to get people involved and moving.
“You can come anytime during the month too – it doesn’t matter how much you lose, every bit is helping.”
Mr North was in part inspired by statistics that revealed about a third of Latrobe Valley adults were overweight and in part by the cause, which was close to a client’s heart.
Glengarry resident Tania Sawers, who has been training with Mr North in Traralgon for more than a year, lost her son Jesse to SIDS in 2002 and this year has entered a Run Melbourne team to support SIDS and Kids.
“I decided to enter the 10 kilometre event in July to challenge myself,” Ms Sawers said.
“Some friends found out what I was doing and jumped on board, so we started Team Jesse.
“My husband, Jason, and daughters Tahlee and Danae will walk or run 5km too.
“It’s a nice way to raise some money for SIDS and Kids and commemorate his life at the same time.”
The training sessions will be held at the Sound Shell at Victory Park from 10.40am to 11.40am each Tuesday and Thursday throughout June.
The discounted cost is $10 per session or $15 for both sessions each week.
To donate to Team Jesse, with all money going to SIDS and Kids, visit runmelbourne2014.everydayhero.com/au/team-jesse
