This year I decided to take some big steps that have brought both myself and Aligned for Life Pilates closer to the community, our clients and many unknown people with generous hearts. When I say some steps it is probably more like tens of thousands, as this June I am participating in ‘Steps Towards a Cure: Great Wall Trek 2014.’ I will be trekking the Great Wall of China to raise funds for The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). So far I have raised $8233!!
I come from a very small town in NSW and after ten years of living in Melbourne and teaching Pilates in the heart of the CBD at Aligned for Life Pilates, I was very surprised, when I moved to manage our South Melbourne studio, at the sense of community that this small inner city suburb brought to the table. I had been searching for charity work that would not only get me out amongst the community talking to the locals, but which also involved physical fitness and when I found ‘Steps Towards a Cure’ it was the perfect fit. I was able to convince my beautiful mum to accompany me on the trek and even though she still lives in Sydney, she now has a daily Pilates routine to get her ready for the Trek.
Many people ask me if I know someone who has been affected by breast cancer and the answer is ‘no.’ So why did I choose to take on this massive trip? Why Not! I’m fit, still fairly young and I want to do something to help others. Hopefully the funds raised on this venture will help create a brighter future for those who are battling or will be diagnosed with this disease and also help NBCF to reach their inspirational goal of zero deaths from Breast Cancer by 2030!
The fundraising has been challenging at times but also inspiring and enlightening. My mum and I have hosted two afternoon high teas at which we raised above and beyond what we expected and it was so lovely to have such great support from the Pilates community and our family and friends. I wouldn’t have raised even half as much if it weren’t for the Aligned for Life clients and staff – and for that I am so grateful.
Taking on ‘Steps Towards a Cure’ has forced me to get to know the businesses that surround our studio, the clients whom I don’t take for sessions and many more people who hear about my trek and just want to lend a helping hand. In turn those same businesses now know a little bit more about Pilates, what it is and where we are, so it has a lovely ripple on affect whilst also raising awareness and funds for a great cause.
With only nine weeks to go, my focus is more on my own personal training and getting as fit as possible to cope with the trek. Apparently there are a lot of uneven surfaces along the way …thank goodness for wobble boards! I’ll be well prepared. Ha!
If you wish to donate to my sponsor page, please click here. All funds raised go directly to NBCF.
https://stepstowardsacure.everydayhero.com/au/sara
I do encourage everyone to get out into the community, meet the people around you and share what we do as Pilates instructors. We have a far more positive impact on people’s lives than we imagine!
Sara Colquhoun
Aligned for Life Pilates- Manager South Melbourne
sara@alignedforlife.com.au
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