The 2008 Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is happening from 19 -23 November. I along with five other Telstra employees will be competing to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia.

Over the past couple of months I’ve maintained a rigid training program to help prepare for the demands that await in this big endurance event. I will be competing with Jacinta Worland - Ironman distance professional athlete for 10 years. We are competing in the three day Ambassador Cup, which is an invitational category for pairs of competitors.

Competing in such an internationally renowned endurance event is a huge honour and I look forward to participating and helping to raise money for the charities Mark has selected – the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Why do I compete in the event? For me, each physical challenge provides the opportunity to raise funds for charity organisations. The Challenge is a great opportunity to contribute to the community, showcase Telstra’s superior products and services and I can show my support of a young Australian athlete who is passionate about his home country and giving back to the community.

You can help the Telstra teams raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation by clicking the Donate Now button on this website - http://www.everydayhero.com.au

You can also track the teams during the event on the Mark Webber Challenge website.

You can also visit now we are talking to read more about the teams and Telstra’s involvement.

The Telstra team

Competing in the Van Diemen Cup are fellow Telstra employees who are the defending champions of the Cup (with Keith as a new addition).  Learn about these great competitors … Keith Mearns, Mark Comer, Richard Palmer and Philip Barrett.

I am very much looking forward to participating in the event and sharing with you how we are all progressing during the event.