Greendale’s Lawrence Staub is gearing up to run his first full marathon, all in the name of a good cause.
Dr Staub, a chiropractor in Bacchus Marsh, is the founder and director of South Pacific Allied Health (SPAH), a non-government organisation set up to assist the needs of the people of the Makira Province in the Solomon Islands.
Dr Staub is taking on the challenge of the Great Ocean Road Marathon in May, not only for its sense of accomplishment but to help raise funds for SPAH’s ‘Makira development initiative’.
Dr Staub says he hopes to raise $44,000; that is, $1 for every metre of the 44-kilometre event. He also aims to raise community awareness of the initiative.
“[There has been] really good support from the community and people have been donating,” he said.
Money raised will help provide water and sanitation for three schools; a Nurse Aid Post medical service and crisis care; and water and sanitation evaluation for 21 villages in Wanoine district.
Dr Staub was made aware of the neglected Makira province when he visited the Solomon Islands about four years ago.
“There had been no real support out in the province for 10 or 20 years or more. I was made aware of some of the challenges their people faced.”
Dr Staub said he came back home affected by what he had seen but enthusiastic to help make a change.
And, since then, SPAH had helped provide a “total upgrade” to the province and neighbouring provinces.
“We’ve put water supplies in two different locations and cured tinea for thousands of people,” he said.
Dr Staub said even just $10 could make a lifetime of change for the people of the islands.
“Ten dollars can cure a person of tinea,” he said. “It means emancipation for the people of the Solomon Islands. It also means inspiration here in Australia.”
For more information and to donate, visit www.spahhealth.org.
