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Lisa Owen

Riding 500km for Kids Who Deserve More - Donate Now

There are millions of children around the world who need help, not because of anything they’ve done, but because life dealt them a tougher hand than most.

And I’ve been afforded an opportunity to help – although it’s just a little – combined it will make a difference.

Kids deserve safety, love, choices, and a real shot at a life that isn’t defined by hardship. And yet, right on our doorstep, in a place so many Aussies visit for cocktails, beaches, and bargain massages, there are thousands of children in Thailand who have no family, no safety, and no certainty about their future.

That’s where Hands Across the Water comes in.

Since the aftermath of the Boxing Day Tsunami, they have cared for hundreds of children and currently care for over 200 children living in 7 purpose build homes, kids who’ve lost their families, or who’ve been removed from unsafe environments. Hands gives them more than just food and shelter, they give them stability, education, connection, and most importantly, opportunity.

So… I’ve signed up to do something I never thought I’d do. In May 2026, I’ll be riding 500km across Thailand in five days as part of the Fitphoria Expedition with Anytime Fitness to raise money for Hands and the kids they support.

It’s going to be hot, hard, emotional, sweaty, challenging… and I genuinely can’t wait (oh wait a minute, yes I can as I need to train). Because every dollar raised is going to make a real difference.

If you can spare a few bucks, I’d be incredibly grateful. And if not, please consider sharing this - the more people who know about the work Hands does, the better.

👉 Donate Now

Let’s help give these kids a future that’s not just about survival - but filled with choice, pride, and possibility.

Thanks for being part of it 💜

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$4,151

My Goal

$5,000

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My Achievements

Updated Profile

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Received first donation

Reached 50% of Fundraising Goal

Reached 100% of Fundraising Goal

My Updates

How Did I Get Here? (No, Seriously.)

Tuesday 4th Nov

There’s a part of my brain that has incredible belief in who I am and what I’m capable of. Like, Olympic-level belief. It’s the same part that once had a very clear and confident vision of me floating gracefully through the air on a trapeze.

Spoiler alert: I did not float.
I did not soar.
I barely dropped like a pencil off the jump board.
And grace? Grace was nowhere to be found.
But I had a crack — and I survived (with my dignity only mildly bruised).

Fast forward to now, and that same wildly ambitious part of my brain has decided I’m going to ride 500km across Thailand next May.

Yep. On a bike.
In humidity.
For five days.
With other people who, let’s be honest, could be described as “athletes” (hello imposter syndrome, my old friend).

The Fitphoria Expedition is a first for Anytime Fitness - an epic charity ride in support of Hands Across the Water, and I’m throwing everything I’ve got into it. Excited? Sort of. Terrified? Definitely. Can’t quite put a name to the feeling, but it’s somewhere between “what have I done” and “let’s do this.”

I’ll be spending the next six months training - and yes, diving deep into the world of endurance prep, from comparing padded shorts like my future happiness depends on it (because it does), to figuring out how to ride 100km without my knees filing for divorce. There’s a definite learning curve here, but also something weirdly exciting about throwing myself into a challenge this far outside my comfort zone… all while clinging tightly to the fantasy that this might trigger a glorious body transformation. I said dream big :)

What I do know is:
I won’t be doing it alone.
I’ll be surrounded by an extraordinary crew from the AF fam, all united by a shared purpose - to make a difference, to show up for something bigger than ourselves including each other, and maybe… just maybe… to find a new kind of Fitphoria out there on the road.

Not sure how I got here. But I’m bloody glad I did.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$1.02k

Barry Maurer

$1.02k

John Underwood

$500

Kerry & Ben Metcalfe

What a challenge !! Proud of you Lis Kez & Ben x

$158.25

San & Nige

Go Lis! Nige and I will do whatever we can to support your prep.

$114.35

Stella Katsaros & Family

SO PROUD OF YOU LIS!

$114.35

Gary Woodcock

Hi Lisa, Mandy and I hope you have a great trip, we're very confident you'll smash the bike ride and your target. Best wishes.

$106.12

Sam Ferrero

Best Wishes Lisa, you will be a great energy boost for the crew

$100

Étoile Pr

Go Lisa, go!! We are right behind you!

$54.12

Simon Thompson

The first time I’ve bought a raffle ticket with a guaranteed winning ticket :)

$54.12

Db

Lets goooooooo!!!!

$54.12

Jolene Holten

Good Luck Lisa - you will smash it!!

$54.12

Em

So proud of you!

$54.12

Mary

well done! So proud of you x

$54.12

Caitlin Bancroft

You are an absolute legend Lis!! Super proud of you earning a well deserved place on this amazing expedition and even more proud you are doing the ride. Cat xxx

$54.12

Helen Thackwray

$54.12

Kjae Quarterman

Kjae - woohoooo

$54.12

Sarah Hanlon

Goodluck!!!

$50

Justin Mcdonell

$50

Mathew Riley

$50

Daniel Tiberio

Great cause well done :)

$50

Kevin Huang

Go Lisa!

$22.58

Dominic Aungles

$22.58

Daniel Thexton

Go Lisa!

$22.58

Inga Wendelin

$22.58

Mo Shah

$22.58

Geraldine Ruffle

You've got this!

$22.58

Anna Watterson

$22.58

Billie

Go Lisa!! I look forward to having a drink with you at the finish line!!

$22.58

Debbie Jones

Looking forward to riding 500kms with you and having a well deserved beer to celebrate at the end.

$22.58

Naomi

Go Lisa🚴‍♀️

$22.58

Vanessa Manuel

$22.58

Neil Hu

Go Lisa!

$22.58

Ben Richards

$20

Wendy Khan

Lisa wishing you a ride of your life, enjoy and I know you will smash it.

$20

Xin Tian

$20

Lauren Smith