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Help Darren make his dream become a reality

Twenty three year old Darren from Bunbury, has a vision and hearing impairment but he isn’t going to let that stop him when he takes part in the 2016 SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia in Busselton.  And, he needs your help to make his dream become a reality.

“I’ve conquered a lot of challenges in my life, but one challenge I’ve been wanting to do for a long time is an Ironman 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a 42km marathon run,” says Darren.

“Of course having a vision impairment makes this a bit tricky, which is why I’m seeking out some people who would be interested in helping with my training and keeping me motivated.  I plan to do the Ironman in December 2016, so keeping motivated for 18 months can be tough on your own.”

Darren says although his fitness isn’t quite where he would like it to be, he’s working hard to increase his fitness and endurance.

“My fitness at the moment isn’t quite up to scratch which is why I’m working on a base for the next six months.  I swim at the public pool and will eventually do some beach swims, which I will do with a partner who will have a rope attached to me swimming with me.

“The cycling, I ride a tandem bike, I’m always keen giving people a go on it if they’ve never been on one before and I need to get some km’s into my legs.

“The running, I have a lead rope which we tie on each others wrist and its about a metre long as we run side by side.  Running is probably my strongest.

“I’ve also been working out at the gym, trying to bulk up my arms a bit, especially for the swim, so a gym buddy is also welcome as well,” says Darren.

Darren is part of Senses Australia’s Deafblind Youth Leadership Program, one of his goals is to participate in the 2016 SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia.

Senses Australia’s Deafblind Youth Leadership Program aims to provide assistance to youth who are deafblind in developing their personal skills to enable them to undertake more significant leadership roles in their personal or professional lives.

Participants in the program have developed individual goals related to leadership.  Goals could relate to learning skills via training courses, recreation pursuits and advocacy for self or others.

If you would like to help Darren achieve his goal please email Darren djs.1991@yahoo.com