Congenital amputee Brant Garvey from Trigg, WA, is proving anything is possible, as he prepares to fly to London and represent Australia at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final on September 4.
Having already competed at an international level in wheelchair basketball and swimming, Brant has shifted his focus to the World Triathlon Final before setting his sights on the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
To achieve these results, Brant recently embarked on a mission to raise $20,000 to purchase a running leg (running blade) which will increase his competition time and allow him to run without pain.
Thanks to more than 300 generous community members at a recent quiz night in Perth, Brant has raised enough money to purchase a running blade and secure his position in the World Final. To date running using the blade leg instead of his ‘everyday’ leg has allowed Brant to cut his 5km running time by 13 minutes.
The quiz night, executed by Brant’s brand "NoXcuses', took place on Friday 9 August and managed to raise more than $11,000 towards his cause.
The prized auction piece of the evening was a pro-signed surfboard from the 2013 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, donated by HIF and acquired by Scarborough surfing locals, Steven Body and Luke Harben for the bidder’s price of $1,100.
Auction winner Steven said, ‘We couldn’t be happier to get behind Brant and support his message. Not only is he striving to achieve something himself, but he’s pushing the message to our local community, that anything is possible.
‘Living in the area, we frequently see Brant running along the coast, or going for a surf, and it is such an inspiration, plus we love surfing - so bidding for the pro-signed board was an added incentive,’ he joked.
HIF spokesperson Helen Andrews said, ‘The team at HIF were delighted to donate the surfboard to this fantastic cause, and even more delighted to learn that the auction proceeds contributed $1,100 towards Brant’s new running blade. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Brant the very best of luck for the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in London next week.’
Brant strives to be an ambassador for those who face challenges in life, empowering them through the opportunity to use his circumstances to educate and inspire. Following the September ITU World Championships, Brant will attempt a full Ironman Triathlon in December - which consists of a 3.8km Swim, 180km ride, 42km run.
To find out more about Brant Garvey’s cause, to donate, or to challenge him please visit his blog at: http://noxcuses.com.au
Media contact: For more information on Brant’s story, please contact Lisa Barratt at lisab@3geeks.com.au or on 0402 928 019
- Photo above courtesy of Sunday Times, WA.
- News listing cover photo credit: Brant Garvey, Google Plus