How did Sharpies charity challenge begin?

In 2005, over dinner and drinks with a few friends, I mentioned that I could drink 20 litres of beers in 24 hours. Two close friends said it was impossible and bet me $200 each to try and drink even 10 litres of beer in 24 hours. Another mate backed me $200 that I could do it! As there was considerable money involved. I accepted the challenge but only if the money went to charity! The rest is history.

Previous Challenges

2010 – Mount Kosciuszko

This was a great challenge with 27 people joining us for the weekend and 19 taking on the challenge. The first part of the climb was difficult, there were 15 of the 19 who made it to the first summit and 8 making it to the 2nd summit. After 36km and 10.5 hours of hiking it was over. Without the support of all the participants and supporters this challenge would not have been possible.

Again a big thank you to my corporate sponsors who have helped make this an annual evenmt.. Over $23,000 was raised going to HeartKids and a small portion to the Monash Cancer Children's Centre. This year was for the future health of Zahara Sharp and Eitan Shoshan.

2009 – Half Ironman

This was a tough challenge and the first with numerous competitors. It was physically demanding over 5 hours (3km swim = 56 mins; 85km cycle = 2 hours & 41 mins and 10km run = 63 mins, with 29 mins in transition). All up I had over 20 other competitors who participated in an individual discipline.

Again my corporate sponsors were great as well as my 8 volunteers who helped me. Almost $9,500 was raised going to The Alfred Hospital in memory of Greg Sher, Michael Jacks, Ryan Segal and my uncle Peter Sackville.  

2008 – Bike Riding from Canberra to Melbourne in 4 days

This was the hardest but most successful Sharpies Charity Challenge to date. It was almost 24 hours on a bike seat in 4 days riding 560 km, where Mother Nature was at her best with strong headwinds. It was the first year for a few things; other participants, an increase in donations and corporate sponsorship that without it the event would not have taken place.

I want to thank the corporate sponsors as well as a great crew and support riders who joined me (My wife Elissa, Mark, Gary, Steff, Mum, Dad, Henry, Ruth and Laura). Over $14,000 was raised going to the Leukaemia Foundation in memory of my uncle Peter Sackville.

2007 - Movember - Growing A Moustache For 30 Days
This was the least adventuress year for the challenge, as it was also the year I 'tied the knot'. With limited time to organise a challenge, I participated in the annual "Movember", a moustache growing charity event held during November each year to raise money and awareness about male health issues. Physically, it was the easiest challenge, so far, however I did look a little rough. It was successful, but it had minimal donations compared to previous years with my fund only reaching approximately $1,000.

2006 - 5 kilograms of baked beans in 24 hours
This was definitely the more financially successful than 2005 but physically harder. The challenge was held in Sydney, where  I was living at the time. The challenge was to eat 5 kilograms of Heinz baked beans in less than 24 hours. This was a challenge and I completed it with about 5 minutes to go! After the pain, it was good to know that I managed to raise approximately $4,000.

2005 - 10 litres of beer in 24 hours
This was the inaugural year where I was challenged to drink 10 litres of full strength beer in 24 hours. When you think of the challenge it seems very achievable. Surely, sitting with mates over an afternoon, that can be done. However, there was added pressure of everyone watching me drink, rather than drinking with me. The alcohol began to take its told and I managed to finish with about 45 minutes to go. I was very happy with my efforts and with the donations. I managed to raise approximately $1,500.

Rules

From the beginning there were always rules set by two of my close friends (Joel and Gary).

1) I have a judge/s with me at all times during a challenge or consumption of products.
2) A judge/s has to note down when a product is consumed and monitors the running tally.
3) I need to complete the challenge myself, with no help from others. Others are allowed to participate, however none of their contribution is registered.
4) A judge/s must note the start and end time and monitor this in order for me to achieve the goal.