EL doctor on a quest of love
Raising funds for kids at Ironman
EAST London Famcare’s Dr Jason Thoresen will prove that he is not only an Ironman but that he also has a heart for children during the Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 event on Sunday.
Participating in aid of the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity for the second year in a row, Thoresen will swim 1.9km before changing into his bright orange suit to tackle the Ironman 70.3's 90km cycle and 21km run.
The suit was made by Angela Walsh and has proven to make the 111km journey a uniquely challenging and strenuous one.
“I felt that racing as an age-grouper became a bit monotonous because in my line of work, I do not have lots of time to train. Racing for charity brings more motivation to accomplish what we have,” said Thoresen.
“It is a great way to combine charity work and what I love doing – to help focus on the youth, the future of our country, who can not only change their lives but those around them for generations to come.”
Established by former Springbok player Garth Wright and business partner Gary Stephenson in 2005, the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and offers support to 19 charities in South Africa.
Beneficiaries in the Buffalo City area for 2018 include the Salem Baby Care Centre, Sophumelela Centre and Catch Projects in Gonubie.
Generally, Ironman 4 the Kidz athletes take part wearing an orange charity vest which allows for easy identification and sponsorship recognition. Thoresen, however, has gone above and beyond by pulling on his lumo orange charity suit.
Supported by his family, friends and the public, Thoresen is hoping to make his challenging participation in the Ironman 70.3 event beneficial to the children.
His wife and No1 supporter, Caryn, will be joining friends and family to cheer him on on Sunday.
“He is my rock and he works so hard to help every single patient and still is the best husband and father to our son, Cole,” Caryn said.
“We are blessed with all the support and are happy to keep going. Our main sponsor has been NTT East London which has been wonderful.”
Companies, community groups and individuals can donate towards the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity to support Thoresen until February 4.
To donate R15 towards the cause, individuals can SMS Thoresen's race number, 938, to 39408. Alternatively, contact Caryn at caryn.thoresen@yahoo.com.