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I'm John; I'm 39
and a dad to 4 sons
Joseph 12, Zach 10, Kai 8, And Shea 6, and just wanted to explain why
the southwest strongman competition started.
I have been Training on and
off for around 10 years, I got back into it seriously about 3 years
ago when my family and I found out that my youngest son, Shea, had a
very rare nerve and muscle wasting disease which is life limiting.
As you can imagine we were shocked, horrified and numb, but after a few months I decided I wanted t help Shea and other kids like him. So I started to participate in events to raise money, i.e. lorry pulls etc.
That’s when I came
up with the idea to start a Strongman Competition, it began in 2004,
and was fantastic, a great success. So this year and for many years to
come, for as long as I can, I will continue to hold these competitions
to raise money for the children who need it.
We have set up a charity in
aid of our son called "Shea's Appeal" it’s for disabled and terminally
ill children. The money raised each year is given to children in the
southwest that need it. All the money raised when the guys enter also
goes towards the charity.
This year (2006) I have
decided to hold an opens as well as the novice competition to see how
it goes.
Although it doesn't stop the
worry, upset, hurt and the anxiousness of not knowing how much longer
we have with Shea, it gives me something else to think about.
Many Thanks.
JOHN.
