Some challenges in life are chosen, while others are handed to us. For Matt, tackling an Ironman isn’t just about pushing his limits; it’s about making a difference for his little sister Lucy, who has Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
"Half of me is quite excited, and the other half is nervous, I signed up at the start of the year to challenge myself—it’s been a while since I’ve done competitive sport. But putting all these disciplines together—swimming, cycling, running—this is something I’ve never done before"
What started as a personal goal soon became something much bigger. When Matt committed to the gruelling event, he realized he could also use the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Prader-Willi syndrome research.
Why Raise Awareness?
For Matt, the decision to dedicate his Ironman to Lucy and others living with PWS was simple.
1. "It’s extra motivation." The thought of Lucy keeps him going on tough training days.
2. "I wanted to help out." As a family, Matt has seen the incredible impact of the Prader-Willi Research Foundation Australia for his family
3. "This is my chance to play my part."
With a fundraising target of $20,000 that has already been reached, Matt is making an impact. "Not many people know what PWS is or how it affects people and their families. I want to change that," he explained.
Understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, what Matt wants people to know,
For Lucy, the past year has been particularly challenging. "Her symptoms have become more exaggerated, and as a family, we’re still learning how to navigate it. It’s an ever-evolving condition—not something limited to childhood," Matt explains.
While PWS might show up in a medical definition, the reality is far more nuanced. "It’s so hard to convey to others what it’s like. No two people experience it the same way, and the challenges keep shifting over time," he says.
Still, for Matt and his family, every small step forward makes a big difference. "Anything that improves quality of life, even just a little, is awesome. That’s why I’m doing this."
Matt’s Message
For those who’ve followed his journey, Matt hopes his Ironman inspires others to take an interest in PWS and how they can help. Whether it’s supporting research or simply learning about the syndrome, Matt believes raising awareness is crucial.
"Lucy is my biggest inspiration for this race," he says. "She’s the reason I’ll cross that finish line, no matter how long it takes."
So as the Ironman day looms, Matt’s focus is clear: "It’s coming around quicker than I expected, but I’m ready. It’s all about finishing."
Join Matt in his mission by supporting his fundraiser or simply spreading the word about PWS. Together, we can help families like Matt’s navigate the complexities of this rare condition and improve lives—one step (or Ironman) at a time.
On December 1st, Matt is taking part in the WA Ironman over in Busselton. A casual Sunday involving a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run.
Visit: https://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/Matt-12217337 to donate
