Juice Plus+® Ultra Spirit Fun Run to raise funds for ultra-marathon burn victims Kate Sanderson and Turia Pitt

Melbourne, 14th June 2012: The Juice Plus+® Ultra Spirit fun run launches today to help raise money for Kate Sanderson and Turia Pitt. The run will take place at 8am on Saturday 1st September around Melbourne’s iconic ‘The Tan’ running track in the Royal Botanical Gardens – entries are open now.
Both Kate and Turia were tragically burnt in bush fires while taking part in a 100km ultra-marathon in the Kimberly Desert last year. Both girls suffered horrendous burns to over 60% of their bodies, changing their lives forever.

We’re calling on Australians to show their support and the true meaning of spirit by signing up to take part in the two-lap race (7.6km) around The Tan. Entry is $50[1] and all proceeds raised will go towards helping the girls re-build their lives, thanks to the generosity of sponsor, Juice Plus+®.
Both girls sustained debilitating injuries including amputations, scarring and major restrictions in the movement of their joints. They rely on compression garments to help heal their skin and require constant care to simply help them deal with day-to-day tasks. Turia will have to wear a full body compression suit and mask for the next two years, and is not be allowed in the sun without her body being totally covered until 2014.

Race ambassador and Olympian, Lisa Weightman says, “The images of Kate and Turia on our TV screens touched me like nothing I’ve seen before, and reminded me of just how lucky I am to be able to do the thing I love. Kate and Turia were injured doing something they loved and now it’s time to help them get back on the road to recovery. I urge you to sign up to run and help support this fantastic initiative.”

Although some of the girls’ basic medical expenses will be covered through Medicare and their health funds, there are huge medical costs and associated costs that will be a financial burden on the girls. Cosmetic procedures, prosthesis, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling support and day-to-day living expenses during their recovery are just some of the things they require.

Working in conjunction with the Fire Foundation, all proceeds raised from the run will go to the girls to help them rebuild their lives, as well as take care of their vast ongoing medical and living costs. We’re calling upon Australians to show their support and sign up to run to be part of a very special day, where runners can show the true meaning of spirit. A fund raising page has also been set up and donations are being taken for the girls too.