Motivation not hard to find for 'Biggest Loser' participant

Despite admitting that the thought of consistently exercising at the gym is a harrowing prospect, University of Southern Queensland (USQ) employee and Biggest Loser Challenge participant Ann Strutt understands the importance of the 10 week journey she is about to undertake.

The 54 year old mother is one of 15 participants in the 2008 USQ Works Biggest Loser Challenge, and knows that the program is not only about losing weight but also helping one of the city's most important charities.

'I find the exercise and gym a little daunting as I haven't been to a gym for 30 years and it is the first time that I have undertaken anything like this,'Ann said.

'All of the money we raise across the 10 weeks will go to the Toowoomba Hospital Children's Appeal (THCA), and that gives me extra motivation to go to the gym and
find sponsors.'

An initiative of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, the fundraiser asks participants to commit to a fitness and nutrition program as well as raising a minimum of $500 each, which so far for Ann has not proved difficult.

'The support that I have received from my work colleagues and my family has been great and I have already raised $725, including receiving $250 from the Vice-Chancellor's Office here at the University," she said.

USQ is just one of many Toowoomba organisations involved in the Challenge, with the fundraiser seen as a true community effort.

'There is a fantastic mix of people from across Toowoomba taking part in this years challenge including sports people, three from the base hospital, legal firms and many others.

'When you are trying to lose weight keeping it off is the hardest part but the support of the others will be helpful.'

While the exercise may take its toll, Ann said there was something else that may prove almost as difficult to get used to.

'Chocolate is the thing that will be hardest to give up,' she said.

'I want to lose between 10 and 15 kilos, so the challenge is on to give up chocolate and sweet food.'

Staring today (September 1), the participants will be put through the 10 week program by trainers from the USQ works with Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Peter Rookas hopeful of matching 2007's monetary total by raising over $20,000.

'Last year we raised just over $20,000 from this promotion and we're keen to do it again,' Mr Rookas said.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559