Brothers buoyed by funds raised
“To have raised $35,500 through people sponsoring us has been incredible,” Ryan, 24, said last week, “and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
Sydney brothers Dylan and Ryan Blumberg not only completed their first half ironman event in the Sunshine Coast on September 10, but raised thousands of dollars for the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute’s lung cancer research laboratory.
The brothers, who have a football background, decided to train for the event earlier this year and set up a fundraising site as a meaningful way to honour their late aunt, Debbie Grace, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2022.
The brothers told The AJN they feel grateful for the generous response to their mid-year callout for sponsorship.
“To have raised $35,500 through people sponsoring us has been incredible,” Ryan, 24, said last week, “and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
As for their performances in the race consisting of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride, and a 21.1km run – which they prepared for over the last few months – both brothers felt equally satisfied.
Ryan, who had put in the most time in training, had set himself a target of finishing the event in less than 5.5 hours, and did so comfortably.
Dylan, 29, said, “We’re both very happy with how the race went, as we beat our respective goals for the day.
“Ryan finished in 4 hours and 59 minutes, and I finished in 5 hours and 28 minutes.
“It was a tough day, but a great experience.”
The Blumberg brothers also thanked their employer, Macquarie Bank, for matching all donations made.
“That should take the money we raised for the cause up to more than $65,000, which we’re very excited about.”
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