In this Q&A, we explore Robby Lippet’s inspiring journey to run 80 kilometres to raise funds for the Little Heroes Foundation, where we also highlight the close relationship between Davroe and the Little Heroes Foundation, a partnership that has flourished naturally over the past 14 years of supporting one another.
Robby Lippet’s journey to running an 80-kilometre run in efforts to support the Little Heroes Foundation
Q1: What inspired you to take on the challenge of running 80 kilometres to support the Little Heroes Foundation?
“Running has never been my go-to activity; it always felt more like a chore than a choice, and long story short – I hate running. Having spent nearly two decades playing soccer at a semi-pro level, I’ve always thrived on setting ambitious goals and pursuing them with full force. Whether it’s on the field, in business ventures, or personal hobbies, I’m either fully committed or not at all. With soccer, there’s always a clear objective at the end of the season: winning the league. In business, it’s about growth, profitability, and success. But with running, I struggled to find that tangible goal that would motivate me to lace up my shoes and run for the sake of running.”
“That’s where the Little Heroes Foundation came in. After a conversation with Chris McDermott opened my eyes to the severity of childhood dementia and the incredible work the foundation does, the decision to take on this challenge became clear. Having participated in their charity events in the past, I knew that supporting them through this endeavour was the right choice. While running a marathon seemed daunting and not quite my style, I knew I needed a challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone. So, committing to run 80 kilometres felt like the perfect way to raise eyebrows and make a meaningful impact at the same time.”
Q2: Can you share your training regimen leading up to the event? How are you preparing physically and mentally for such a demanding run?
“Currently, I’m focused on building up the kilometres in my legs. It’s still early in my training journey, as I’ve only been running for about four weeks. It feels like I’m starting from scratch, as I don’t have much prior experience in running. After a few runs, I realised I need guidance, so I reached out to two friends who are experts in the fitness industry and have long-distance running experience – Beau Williamson and Lawson Daly. They’ve created a structured program for me that will gradually intensify over time. Running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s also a mental challenge. I’m fortunate to have professionals supporting me in both aspects of preparation. In this first month, I’ve progressed from struggling to complete 3-kilometre runs to consistently covering a minimum of 10 kilometres every other day. Baby steps, right?”
Robby Lippet captioned alongside his journey in training for his 80-kilometre run to raise money to support childhood dementia
Q3: What are some of the biggest challenges involved with running an 80-kilometre run, and how will you overcome this?
“One of the major hurdles I’ve encountered in preparing for an 80-kilometre run is my lack of knowledge about running. Initially, I underestimated the importance of proper gear, which led to painful blisters due to wearing the wrong shoes. Fortunately, Josh from Sportitude reached out to me and generously offered their support. With their guidance, I now have the appropriate running shoes and equipment to tackle this challenge.”
“However, my greatest obstacle isn’t the physical running; it lies in reaching my fundraising goal of $80,000. To overcome this challenge, I’ve had to think creatively and explore every possible fundraising idea. Thankfully, social media has proven to be a powerful tool for raising awareness and funds. I’ve been documenting my journey on various social media platforms, gaining tremendous support from friends, family, and even strangers. With the help of this widespread support network, I’m confident in my ability to meet and exceed my fundraising target.”
Q4: How are you maintaining your motivation and focus throughout the entire distance?
“I recently sat down for a heartfelt conversation with Chris McDermott, the founder of Little Heroes Foundation, where he opened my eyes to the harsh realities of childhood dementia. The depth of what I learned left me speechless. Additionally, I had the privilege of engaging in an open chat with a mother who has three children affected by childhood dementia. The weight of these conversations stays with me every time I prepare to lace up my shoes. This has given me so much motivation, and a greater sense of purpose and determination than ever before.”
Q5: Could you describe the current support you have received from the community and your supporters in preparation for the run?
“The support I’ve received from both my immediate circle and the broader community has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. From the moment I announced this charity run, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. I had anticipated the power of social media to attract support, but the response exceeded my expectations. Within the first week alone, I found myself surrounded by a network of support. Individuals and businesses have reached out, offering their assistance in fundraising efforts. Whether through direct donations or by contributing items for raffles and auctions, their support has been instrumental in propelling me toward my goals.”
Q6: What impact do you hope your fundraising efforts will have on the Little Heroes Foundation?
“I find that most people I’ve spoken to about childhood dementia didn’t even know it exists. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a future where childhood dementia is better understood, treated, and ultimately prevented. Through my fundraising efforts, I hope to bring us one step closer to that reality, offering hope and support to children and families impacted by this challenging condition.”
“By raising funds for the Little Heroes Foundation, I aim to provide crucial support and resources for children and families affected by childhood dementia. $80,000 can help aid in funding vital research into the causes and treatments of childhood dementia, as well as providing much-needed support services and assistance to affected families. This increased awareness can lead to greater support for research efforts and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children living with this condition.”
Q7: What advice would you give to others who are considering undertaking a similar fundraising challenge?
– Start with a Clear Purpose: Identify a cause that you’re passionate about and that resonates with others. Having a clear purpose will keep you motivated throughout your training and fundraising efforts.
– Utilise Your Network: Reach out to your network of family, friends, work colleagues, and social media contacts for support. Share your story, the cause you’re supporting, and your fundraising goals. You’ll be surprised at how many people will be eager to support your efforts.
– Get Creative with Fundraising: Think outside the box when it comes to fundraising ideas. Host events, organise challenges, sell merchandise, or offer services in exchange for donations. Get creative and leverage your skills and interests to attract donations.
“Remember, every step you take and every dollar you raise makes a difference in the lives of those you’re supporting. Stay focused on your goals, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!”
Davroe and the Little Heroes Foundation: A Partnership Built on Compassion
Davroe’s partnership with the Little Heroes Foundation began organically and has continued to flourish over the past 14 years when Dresslier Owner/Director, Mary Centofanti first attended an event hosted by the foundation.
This relationship is built on a shared commitment to supporting children and families facing serious health challenges. Davroe’s dedication to the foundation has seen the brand actively participating in fundraising events, promoting awareness, and contributing resources to actively aid the foundation’s mission.
The Little Heroes Foundation is a charity close to our hearts at Davroe. Their work in providing essential support services and funding research for conditions like childhood dementia aligns with our values and desire to make a positive impact in the community. Through this enduring partnership, we strive to bring hope, support, and positive change to the lives of countless children and their families.
Robby Lippet’s 80-kilometre run is a testament to the power of individual commitment and community support in making a significant difference. By rallying behind such initiatives, we continue to strengthen the bond between Davroe and the Little Heroes Foundation, furthering our collective goal of improving the lives of children facing daunting health challenges.
