Blyth completes fundraising marathon

MOUNT Duneed man Nathaniel Blyth has completed his 440km fundraising challenge for Geelong Mums, running at least a half marathon each day for the first 21 days of December.

Last week, Blyth clocked up his final run in Geelong, with his blood, sweat and tears coming with plenty of happiness as he crossed the line on the Barwon River on December 21.

“I feel like I could do 60 of them, that was the best one I feel I’ve done all month,” Blyth said.

“It’s been tough, there definitely has been some days that have been harder than others but I’m happy I could finish on a high.

“The support has been amazing, I think the more awareness we can raise about what the team do at Geelong Mums, the better.

“We are at about $9,000 at the moment and hopefully we can keep spreading the word about this and get to that $21,000.

“To everyone that has donated and sponsored the cause, thanks so much!”

Geelong Mums partnerships and events co-ordinator Kelly Suvoltos said her team of volunteers were in awe of Blyth’s efforts over the month, adding that his work would undoubtedly help the organisation with accessing local families in need.

“Nathaniel first got in touch with us, and it’s been amazing to sit back and watch him take on the world with all that running,” she said.

“Our volunteer cohort have been marvelling at how he can run that far, it means so much to so many people.

“This time of year is different for different people, if there’s food insecurity, putting nappies and wipes can be tough for some families, so it’s even something like those essentials that we can help provide families with.

“Our volunteers are our lifeline and do all the work that goes on in the Geelong Mums warehouse but financial donations are the things that really help at this time of year.

“We encourage people to donate directly to Nathaniel’s appeal or at the Geelong Mums website.”

Blyth’s mission across the month has seen him complete brutal runs at 5am whilst trying to balance being a father with his work schedule.

He was incredibly proud of his efforts and hoped that it would help Geelong Mums going forward.

To donate to the fundraiser, head to 21-kms-for-21-days-for-geelongmums.raisely.com