Fundraiser Spotlight: Ella
How did you first hear about the RCD Foundation?
I first heard about the RCD Foundation through my Mum. She is a passionate childhood cancer advocate. Mum starting collecting RCD merch, and our first RCD event together was a yoga session in the midst of the first lockdown.
Has anyone you know been impacted by brain cancer?
Yes, a young woman who went to my high school and who I was friends with, sadly died from brain cancer last year. We met on a Camp Quality camp. I was participating in the camp as my youngest brother Coen was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was two and I was only 10, so I’ve directly known many children impacted by brain cancer due to our family being in and out of hospital for many years.
Why did you decide to participate in the Noosa Triathlon?
I decided to compete in the Noosa Tri with RCD because I’ve loved triathlons for quite a few years now, and training and competing is something that I really enjoy. For my first ever tri back in 2019, I raised over $2,000 for my special friend and her family, and another foundation close to our hearts, dedicated to a strong warrior stolen by leukaemia at age two. And what better way to compete in my first full length tri than to do so while fundraising for an amazing charity that provides much needed support to children and their families who are impacted by brain cancer, and provides funding for much needed clinical trials.
Can you tell us a little about your training schedule?
My training schedule changes week to week as I’m in Year 10, so balancing schoolwork, training, trying to have a social life, my Border Collie Rio, my part time job, and all that kind of stuff, makes each week really different and somewhat challenging! Sometimes I’ll have more time to complete a longer training ride (I managed two 40+ km rides last week, before school), whereas sometimes all I can fit in is a jog with Rio (who is also a long time, loyal RCD supporter). But, roughly each week I’ll swim twice, cycle twice, run three times, plus one strength and conditioning session. Training for the full length tri has definitely been taking up a lot more time than my usual sprint distance tri’s!
What are some of your hobbies?
My main hobby/extracurricular activity apart from school would definitely be competing in triathlons! I also really enjoy running cross country with my school, as well as playing netball. So a lot of sport related hobbies! I would say that my Border Collie Rio, and walking her, training her, looking after her, is almost a hobby too! I also enjoy baking. Brownies are my current speciality and go-to. I also enjoy learning about and practicing photography, though I don’t have much time to do so at the moment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
A big thank you to anyone who has read this far, as well as of course everyone who has shared, donated, and supported this page or my training so far. Including my very generous recent ‘anonymous’ donor, and the awesome RCD team (such a kind crew). I am so grateful!
You can show your support for Ella by donating to her fundraising page