My name is Dezma McGregor. I currently live in Auckland with my partner and daughter. I am a busy working Mum of Maori descent and I have tribal affliliations with Ngapuhi and Ngati Kahungunu.

In March 2005 I watched my younger sister Lyndell complete her first Ironman. I was completely inspired and motivated by her achievement and as she crossed the finishing line all I could think of was wow!!!- that evening the decision to embark on my own Ironman journey was made - I was 120kg's at the time and the thought of taking on an event of this magnitude completely scared the hell out of me!!!

Nearly two years later, 50kg's lighter, fit and healthy and with more energy than a child on Coca Cola I completed my first Ironman in March 2007 in a time of 16 hours and 31 minutes.

My ironman finish was truly the most exhilerating experience of my life. The crowds, the applause, the sea of smiling faces were all there to greet my daughter and I as we walked hand in hand towards the finish line.I was simply beaming with pride and for a moment I looked down at my 7 year old daughter to see if she was okay - I found her simply gazing up at me in absolute awe. She had suddenly realised what her mother had achieved that day and I guess she was just simply amazed by my efforts - of course the look she gave me turned me into a blubbering mess - not a great look to have for your Finisher's photo!!!!

A year on from Ironman health and fitness continue to be a regular part of my life and I have an incredibly positive outlook on everything with a "kick butt", nothing phases me attitude to match.

It is amazing what one can do when you have your health and fitness - life becomes one big lollie shop from which you can pick and choose your activity of choice. I have learnt never to take my health for granted and to treasure and live each day as if it were my last..... a cliche I know.

As a previously obese person I know that had I continued with my unhealthy lifestyle I would eventually be destined to becoming one of the 16 New Zealanders that die each day as a result of Cardiovascular disease - particularly given the fact that Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in my family.

I have decided to embark on a project of raising $50,000 in support of the Heart Foundation. Through my efforts I hope to help this fantastic organisation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

At the same time I hope that I can:

• Promote the great work done by the Heart Foundation
• Spread the message of the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
• Inspire and motivate others to make changes in their lives
• Inspire and motivate others to take risks.

During the period of fund raising I am hoping to participate in and complete a number of challenging events - a symbolic gesture to show that I am willing to put "my body on the line" in support of my cause.

Who Am I and Why Am I doing this?

I am not an elite athlete, in fact you will find me bringing up the rear in most events - I have no problems with coming last because for me the achievement is simply in the participation and completion of an event. However, I am an ordinary kiwi who wants to do extraordinary things with the intention of hopefully making a small but positive contribution to our community.

Project Pacemaker is a 6-8 year project to which I am willing to commit my time, money (this project is currently fully self funded) and health in support of an organisation that does so much for the everyday kiwi.

Obesity related diseases are rising to epidemic proportions and the costs and impact that these diseases have on individuals, on their families, on the community and on society as a whole is just too big to ignore. I am truly tired of watching my whanau (family) die way before their time and I am truly passionate about wanting to bring about change to the lives of so many kiwis..

The Heart Foundation needs not just mine but your support as well so, help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer. Here's the link.

I'll do all the hard work (train for and complete the events), but I really need you to make a difference to the hearts of New Zealanders.

So select the "Make a donation" button to assist me in my cause.Its simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundations bank account.

If you wish to sponsor me in my project please feel free to contact me. Your contributions will be gratefully appreciated.

I dedicate this project to my father Mathew McGregor - who died in August 2007. A person who challenged me to be the best person that I could be.

Dezma McGregor