By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
NATALIA Abarzua has had a complicated year and the Eureka Climb has helped her channel some of that energy into a positive pursuit for herself and the charity sponsors.
“I’ve never done it before, I’m a little bit nervous because it’s just a month away, but I’m not worried how long it takes me,” Ms Abarzua said.
Battling 88 levels and 300m of vertical elevation Ms Abarzua, from Endeavour Hills, is competing in the timed climb and said she can’t wait to take in the view once at the top.
“I work close to the Eureka Tower in the city and I look up at it and sometimes I think I can do it and other times I feel it is impossible,” she said.
The annual event has pulled more than 2500 climbers for Sunday 15 November and Ms Abarzua said the climb had motivated her to get back to the gym and take control of her weight gain.
“I’m overweight and now I walk an hour every day,” she said adding that the looming stair climb had been great for her declining health.
Raising money for disadvantaged youth and aid for the Asia Pacific region Ms Abarzua, a Spanish teacher, moved to Endeavour Hills from Chile five years ago and said she is hoping to raise more than $200 for the Whitelion and Interplast.
