Gemma Doull

Gemma is a 19 year old university student. Her goal is to run the half marathon in 1:40 and raise $1,000 for ChildFund New Zealand. She's well on the way to her goal with $750 raised so far.

Most people who know me think I'm mad signing up for a half marathon. I tend to start a new thing every week, so the idea of training week in and week out doesn't really fit my profile. But my friends and family also think it's an awesome thing to do.

I've been really surprised by how easy it is to raise money and how generous people are. Even my cash-strapped uni mates are sponsoring me. My employer Auckland's Lonestar Café sponsored me for $300!

You find great sponsors in the strangest places. Visiting Urban Café, my favourite coffee shop, I asked the owner if he'd sponsor me and he gave me $100 just like that.

I've found once peopleunderstand what the money's for, they're happy to help. Reading up on what ChildFund New Zealand does has helped me to be more persuasive – it's hard to say no to a good cause.

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