Sandgate community member Angus Ruggieri-Guthrie is flexing his muscles while raising money for a cause dear to his heart.
The former St Pat’s graduate, law student and local barista is training to complete an Ironman 70.3 – a middle-distance triathlon that takes around seven hours – while raising money for Karuna Hospice Care.
It’s all in memory of his late grandfather, Sergio, who died in 2022.
“My grandfather was absolutely the most selfless person, he showed me through his kindness and generosity, and just his nature, what it meant to be a man,” Angus said.
“And I want to ensure that other families experience the same amount of comfort – even in a sad situation – that we experienced in his passing, and that’s what Karuna does.”
Angus Ruggieri-Guthrie’s Ironman Challenge for Karuna Hospice Care
Karuna Hospice Care is a not-for-profit palliative care organisation that provides specialist community-based care for people in their homes, at no cost.
“I have chosen to advocate for Karuna as they help alleviate fear and suffering that comes with dying, for people and their families,” Angus said.
Angus has been putting in the hard yards to train for the triathlon, although it’s a relatively new event for him.
“I played soccer, but I was never really into the whole wake up early, eat right, super fitness lifestyle,” he said.
“In December of 2022, I kind of joked with a friend that I could beat him in a triathlon and he was like, ‘Mate, I actually did use to do triathlons’.
“But I made it a goal to just get in the pool, and I turned 21 in January 2024, and I did an Olympic-length triathlon the week after my 21st.
“It was incredible and hopefully I can also be an example to my younger brothers of what you can achieve.”
For Angus, his Pa will be at the top of his thoughts as he competes on 8 September.
“He always inspired me,” he said.
“He was a teacher for a long time and I only recently found out that he was also a swimming teacher.
“He could build anything – he built the bed I sleep in now; he was absolutely my role model.”
To donate to Angus’ fundraising efforts, go to: Give Karuna Org
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Photos supplied
