NO WALK IN THE PARK: Dan Benton will endure a 24-hour bike ride to raise funds for four-year-old Wairangi Te Rupe, who is suffering from Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Photo: NADINE MORTON
THIS Orange triathlon coach may be used to pushing his body to its limits, but Dan Benton says he is nervous about his upcoming challenge on Wednesday.
Mr Benton will cycle for 24 hours, all in the name of helping a mate.
“I’m a dead man walking. I’m scared shitless, 24-hours is a long time,” he said
Mr Benton is a family friend of Toby and Sam Te Rupe and their four-year-old daughter Wairangi, who is undergoing chemotherapy in Sydney.
Wairangi has post-transplant Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare side-effect of the liver transplant she received when she was eight months old.
“It’s really hard but not as hard as what they go through,” Mr Benton said of his upcoming challenge.
“The hurt is nothing compared to what she’ll go through, all she knows is hospital.”
Mr Benton hopes to raise enough money to help the family as they stay at Ronald McDonald House at Westmead.
While it is nothing for Mr Benton to take part in an Iron Man competition - a four-kilometre swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km marathon - this week’s challenge will be a true test of grit and determination.
“Just sitting for 24-hours is a long time, but add riding,” he said.
“I’m getting really nervous about it and I think I’m in a lot of trouble.”
He estimates he’ll pedal about 20km/h during the 24-hour challenge, with an expected total of 480km covered.
One person who will help out during the challenge is his friend Andrew Holmes, who has promised to bring along some fake trees to make the stationary ride a bit more “realistic”.
The 24-hour cycle challenge will kick off at 10am this Wednesday at Fitness Perfection in March Street.
People wishing to support Mr Benton in his fundraising challenge are welcome to head down to make a donation.
Alternatively, donations can be made through online banking or at the Orange Branch of ANZ, account number 187 187 599, BSB - 012 790, account name - ITF Wairangi TeRupe.