For the last three months Neil Bartlett has been running further than he ever has before, but not for his own benefit, instead to raise money for his local cricket club.
A father, and an all-round community-minded volunteer, Mr Bartlett has his eyes set on completing a 44 kilometre run from the WA Cricket Association ground in East Perth to his local ground, Briggs Park, Byford, in the hopes of raising $5000 for the Serpentine Jarrahdale Cricket Club.
Mr Bartlett said he has learnt a lot about his body and his ability during the course of his stringent training routine.
“On the weekends I have been running around 20 kilometres but now as the run is getting closer I have upped the distance and have been averaging around 33 kilometres,” he said.
“On the day, I think my mind will wonder and I will question myself and my abilities.
“My wife laughs and says I have the easy job, I just have to run … she has been in charge of all the emails and fundraising.
“I’m very lucky that I will have an amazing support crew with me that will keep me going and I’m looking forward to finishing the last kilometre with my children and other children from the cricket club.”
Mr Bartlett has set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising much-needed money to buy new training equipment such as helmets, lighter bats, gloves and pads for the junior players at the club.
For Mr Bartlett, female engagement in any sport, particularly cricket is extremely important.
“Over the last couple of years between the Centrals Football club and Serpentine Jarrahdale Junior Cricket Club we are now running female only programs that cater and embrace females in a safe environment where they are flourishing,” he said.
“You don’t have to be the best athlete or the biggest hitter, you just need to have fun out in the beautiful sunshine.”
The run will take place on September 8 from 8am with Mr Bartlett and his support crew expected to arrive at Briggs Park by 1pm.
To donate visit Neil Barlett’s GoFundMe page.
