Flying the cape for Seb …

… Argym hosts Superhero Saturday fundraiser

HOBART—The team at Artgym, a boutique gym in Liverpool Street, is raising funds for medical equipment for Sebastian, a 9-year-old boy with non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), a rare, genetic, metabolic disorder caused by a defect in the enzyme system.

They’re holding a 90-minute Superhero Saturday group exercise class this week, 1 October. The class is run by Artgym trainers and open to anyone, at a cost of a $25 (or more) donation.

Gym owner Eilish Kidd came up with the idea after attending Sebastian’s birthday party with her own son, Teddy, a schoolfriend of Seb’s. “All the children were invited to dress up as their own superhero. My son got to be Super Ted.”

Sandra Cawthorn, Seb’s mother, explains her son’s love of superheros.

“I think the first movie he ever loved was The Incredibles. And we have always seen him, his NKH friends and school friends as superheroes. We have always talked about how everyone has their own special powers and Seb’s is his heart and cuddles.”

“So when we decided to run a fundraiser class superheroes was the perfect theme,” says Eilish Kidd. “We’re all going to dress up, have fun and get sweaty!”

There’s also a serious side to the idea.

“In the fitness industry we put the emphasis on the on the physical but it’s easy to forget some people in the community can’t even dream of being able to walk.”

“Seb can’t walk and he can’t talk either, but meeting him is inspiring. It makes me think about my own kids and how lucky they are to be able to lead such active lives. We’d love to contribute to improving Seb’s quality of life, even in a small way.”

See a previous Mercury article about Sebastian’s family here:

http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/kingston-biker-ben-cawthorns-dancing-video-goes-viral-on-the-internet/news-story/80e7b481a349d5a1484bc186a5c0adb4

ArtGym’s Superhero Saturday Workout
TIME: 9.00am (90 minutes)
DATE: Saturday 1 October 2016
LOCATION: Artgym, level 1 212 Liverpool Street, Hobart
COST: $25+ (donation)

The session will be led by Artgym head trainer Miskad and personal trainer Priscus Fogagnolo. We’re asking you to dress up – undies on the outside of tights, or something more elaborate! – our plan is to get sweaty and have fun. All funds raised will go to Sebastian’s Go Fund Me campaign. Seb is an 8-year-old with a severe and rare genetic metabolic condition called Non Ketotic Hyperglycinemia, which effects his brain and causes daily seizures. He is unable to walk, talk or support his own head. Seb loves superheroes. To secure a space in the workout, and to make it easier to pass on the funds raised, could you please go to Sebastian’s Go Fund Me campaign via the link below and donate the ticket price of $25. In the “comments” section please write your name and Superhero Saturday Workout in brackets. First name or initials also fine.

https://www.gofundme.com/2ee74384?r=18572

Non-members should arrive a little early on the day to talk to gym staff and sign an exercise waiver.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/633686293475910/641500119361194/?notif_t=like&notif_id=1474506421206248
Briony Kidd