"For my Mum!"

In March 2009, whilst expecting her second child, Lisa Brentnall journeyed to Port Macquarie to support her husband, Mark, in the Ironman challenge.  Mark was victorious, crossing the finish line in better time than he had hoped. Unexpectedly, the newest member of the Brentnall family decided to come five weeks early and Lisa went into labour within hours of Mark crossing the finish line. Charlotte Brentnall was born the following day in the Port Macquarie hospital.

This year, the tables were reversed with Mark supporting Lisa in this year’s Ironman, whilst holding young Charlotte in his arms and first born Samantha by his side.

Lisa entered the Ironman with two objectives. The first was to fulfil a request from her late mother, which was for Lisa to one day complete an Ironman.  Her mother didn’t fully comprehend the enormity of her request, but such was her belief in Lisa’s abilities and determination that she didn’t think anything was beyond her horizons.

Her second objective, as a trustee of her mother’s charitable foundation (www.lyncares.com), was to raise $10,000 in sponsorship monies to go towards carrying on the work of the Lynne King Cancer Care Foundation.

It can now be reported that she achieved both and with plenty of room to spare!

She crossed the finishing line in just over thirteen hours, carrying with pride and a tear in her eye, a placard which read, “For my Mum!”  At last count her sponsorship monies were nearing the $12,000 mark and rising.

When congratulated, Lisa was quick to thank her husband Mark and the members of the Balance-UTS Triathlon Club for their support, training, help and motivation throughout the challenge.

No doubt, a further inspiration would have been the fact that her two children were close by throughout the day, with young Charlotte becoming a Port Macquarie local just one year before.

Lisa, you may not be the tallest person in your group, but what there is of you is pure heart!

Thanks go also to each and every person who sponsored Lisa with their donations and words of encouragement.  Although the race is over the benefit of the monies raised will go to help those who don’t enjoy such good health and fitness.

A special thanks goes to all members of the Balance-UTS Triathlon Club who continue to support the Foundation throughout the year with such events as this one that Lisa participated in. Your an inspiring group of people.