Shane's weight loss quest supports local families

9 November 2007

When his local GP told Shane Bowden he needed to lose weight or he would face serious health issues, he knew the time had come to take action.

Fortunately for the local community, Shane decided his own family shouldn’t be the only one to benefit from his hard work.

Six months on and a hefty 20 kilograms lighter, Shane has changed his life and hopes the thousands of dollars he has so far raised for Armidale Hospital will help during times of life change for others in the community.

But the campaign is not over yet – with the support of the local Armidale Rugby Blues Club, Shane hopes to reach $10,000 in sponsorship and support, all of which would be donated to the children’s and maternity wards at Armidale Hospital.

“I have three children, one of which has spent quite a bit of time in the children’s ward,” Shane explained.

“We found it to be a brilliant place, the staff were great and so I wanted to give something back.  Also, my daughter was born in the hospital’s maternity ward, so I wanted to support both of these causes.

“Most guys in the rugby club are young parents, so we are all keen to help as much as we can.  If we can make it easier for someone during their time in hospital, then that’s great.”

Shane has done a fantastic job achieving his goals – with a combination of daily workouts and support from a dietitian; he has reduced his body fat percentage from 49 per cent to just 18 per cent. 

The second-grade rugby coach is now so fit he has played his first matches in five years.

Shane now has just 5kg more to lose and is confident he can reach his target by his 30 November deadline. However, he still needs more help from his sponsors and community members to push him over the fundraising line.

Ian Lloyd of the local rugby club has been managing the fundraising effort on Shane’s behalf, with raffles and sponsorship for kilograms lost the main method of collecting funds so far.  Anyone who is interested in finding out more or supporting Shane’s quest can contact Ian on 0427 076 071.

Contact: Nick Hansen

Phone: 49855522