Disclaimer: this post contains photos that may or may not be offensive... I don't mind looking at my Husband and our mates in speedos one little bit but you might so I suggest doing the old quick scroll.
The Fourth Annual Santa Speedo Shuffle was a roaring success. We raised over $105,000 as a community for the Cystic Fibrosis Association ACT and Nick's team raised over $14,500. Which won them second place and lit a fire in all of our bellies to come up with the goods next year.
As the santas took to the start line, sleet started falling from the sky, hitting their bare red skin like needles. The wind was ridiculously rude whipping them from all sides and the sun was a bitch showing up for a second here and there but mostly staying put behind clouds. Apparently it was the first time the event had seen bad weather...
Dash was so impressed he started crying uncontrollably, so badly in fact that the only thing that would calm him was a feed. So there we were, at the start line, facing 70+ santas and I had to whip my nipples out. Guess it's only fair considering every one else's attire. Anyway that explains the unimpressed look on my face up there.
You might ask what on earth I was doing with a 10 week old baby in the freezing cold. Well, people with Cystic Fibrosis can't mingle. To me that is one of the most devastating things about the illness because it can be so isolating. Being outdoors around other people with the illness reduces the risk of cross contamination so outside we stayed and no colds or bugs were caught. Thank goodness.
This year the number of Dash supporters was outrageous. He had three teams representing him full of 20 friends and family. He had the above turkeys working the start and finish line water station in his honour. He had his grandparents, uncle, our friends parents, nicks work colleagues and even his uncle's dog cheering on the Santa's on his behalf. He was also represented by Spongebob Squarepants and a lone Minion.
To say Nick and I were overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we were shown is an understatement. We are so incredibly thankful to everyone who showed up for us and for the association, to everyone who donated and to everyone that wished us well.
Yes we are running again next year. Yes there will be more of us. Yes we will have matching team Dash shirts. I even plan on running with Dash in the pram! Maybe actually shuffling/walking...
