Auckland Mum to run/walk 500km without sleep for charity

PRESS RELEASE
3 November 2012

Auckland Mum to run/walk 500km with O Sleep in aid of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust and Auckland Spinal Trust

The Blue Light 500kms, O sleep

On Thursday 22 November Kim Allan will begin an attempt to run/walk for 500km continuously without sleep around Auckland Domain in aid of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Trust and the Auckland Spinal Trust. The challenge has been supported by Blue Light and is known as the Blue Light 500km, 0 Sleep. The ultra-distance attempt is expected to take Kim four days during which time she will not be able to sleep or rest for any significant length of time.
Kim points out, “This will be a huge challenge, not only physically but mentally and there are days I simply can’t get my head around being awake for that length of time. But in the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done’ says Kim.

The Charity Blue Light is supporting Kim in her attempt and has provided initial sponsorship hence the challenge has been named Blue Light 500kms, O Sleep. “We were so inspired by Kim’s extreme commitment to help others and also her dogged determination to attempt something that seems almost impossible” said Rod Bell, Blue Light CEO. “With all our youth programs and life skills camps we are teaching young people to believe in their goals and Kim’s attempt exemplifies this very belief”.

Kim first decided to take up ultra-distance events as a way to encourage her children to stay committed and work through hard times. Her son now laughingly points out “Ok Mum, you’ve made your point.” Having competed in several ultra-events, including the OxfamTrail Walker and the NZ 24 hour race, Kim decided to attempt something she thought might provide the ultimate challenge. She admits there is no guarantee that she can actually do it and therefore the challenge is huge.

Due to the fact Kim will not be able to sleep during her attempt she will need encouragement to keep going and the public are invited to come to the Domain anytime from Thurs 22 – through to Sunday 25 November to cheer her on. On Thursday Kim will be joined by a group of young people taking part in the first

Blue Light International Youth Leadership Program. These young people will join Kim for several laps of the Domain.
Having never been attempted before Kim hopes to beat the record set by Pam Reed, the American Ultra runner, who completed 486km over 80 hours. Kim points out that the time within which she completes the event is not important it’s the distance she is aiming to cover, however, the sooner she gets it done the quicker she can get to sleep.

To support Kim’s fundraising efforts for Spinal Injury please make a donation at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/KimAllen and you can follow Kim via Facebook on www.facebook.com/bluelight500kmOsleep

New Zealand Blue Light

New Zealand Blue Light is a registered charity and community policing youth program that for the past 28 years has run programs and activities for youth throughout New Zealand free from drugs, alcohol and violence.

Blue Light aims to reduce youth crime, build community partnerships, build young people’s self-esteem, enhance community safety as well as build positive youth and police partnerships. Blue Light New Zealand is a nationwide incorporated society which has a national executive committee and operates 74 branches nationwide. Each branch is responsible for sourcing their own funding to facilitate and provide their own youth community programs.

Blue light is staffed by police officers, who carry out Blue Light Activities over and above their normal police duties along with civilian volunteers. Those involved with Blue Light are passionate about youth and in particularly providing positive experiences for those who may otherwise not have an opportunity.

Although Blue Light is staffed by police, the two operate totally independently and Blue Light does not receive any funding from police.

See www.bluelight.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/nzbluelight (09) 475 9301.

Blue Light originally began in Australia as a community policing initiative and remains very strong in all of the Australian States and is now active in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Scotland.
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