Update: You can now read about Craigs result at the same link below.

We think Craig Fishers challenge is gutsy and the cause is a great one. Luxury Adventures has donated towards his challenge and we urge you to read about Craig Fisher’s Unthinkable Fundraising Challenge and do the same. Good luck Craig, the Kepler Track is long, challenging and beautiful, but if anyone can do it you can!

Craig Fishers Unthinkable Fundraising Challenge

I’ll do all the hard work; train for and (all going well!) complete this crazy 60km mountain running event, but I really need your help to make a difference to my chosen charity – The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand.

My Reasons: Unthinkable goals & challenging oneself to grow, New Zealand’s beautiful Kepler track, good friends, illness, HOPE, motivation, doing good.

The Background Story: Earlier this year I was challenged to really stretch myself with an “unthinkable goal” (Thanks Tom Poland for sowing seeds and setting examples, and then Mike Ashby for being an appreciated nag). The definition of an unthinkable goal is one which:

• You think you only have 50% chance of achieving;
• Makes your sphincter tighten when you think of it!
• Will cause you to make some big changes to achieve your goal

I’ve always loved the mountains and enjoy challenging myself and keeping fit with running so combining the two always appeals. Hence the 60km Kepler Challenge. However I’ve never run a marathon before (too far and get too bored with the training). Can I get my mind and body to run 60km? Just getting to the start line on December 3rd has presented me with plenty of challenges so far! I suspect my effort is not going to be pretty…but I am committed to the challenge.

A good friend of mine has provided inspiration. Chris Rawbone is bravely fighting stage 4 Melanoma. It’s his unthinkable challenge but unlike me he doesn’t have a choice. Chris is one of the world’s good people; a loving husband, dedicated father to 3 great kids, a mischievous and fun friend to many, someone who has enrichened the communities he has been part of, someone who has faith that we can make the world a better place with our actions, and generally just a great “solid kiwi guy”. I have been privileged to know Chris and while he was my first “audit assistant” at work over 20 years ago he quickly turned the tables on me. I learnt much from him back then, and ever since, in how to be a better person.

Chris’s cancer diagnosis came out of the blue a year ago. He’s doing everything he can to fight the illness. Frustratingly and helplessly I can’t do much apart from my positive thoughts and wishes for him. I believe in hope. But I also believe in taking action.

Hence in a small way I want to leverage my unthinkable challenge to help support Chris by supporting a good organisation that deals with this illness.

If you feel so motivated I would be humbled to receive your support to raise funds to help allow this organisation do more of their good work.

Select the ‘Make a donation’ button here http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/CraigFisher/. It’s simple, fast and totally secure.

If you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

Many thanks for your support

Tony Townley is a luxury lifestyle specialist and owner of Luxury Adventures.