Turning Love Into Action: Charlotte’s Fundraising Story

In the course of its work, the TSA team is lucky to meet some real heroes – people who turn their personal connection to TSC (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex) into action. Charlotte is one of them. 

When Charlotte crossed the finish line of a 113km triathlon, she wasn’t thinking about her medal or her time. She was thinking about her younger brother, Hamish. 

Hamish was diagnosed with TSC when he was just 8 – months old after experiencing seizures. Now 17, he’s doing the HSC with a traineeship in retail and warehousing as part of his programme. Life with TSC hasn’t been easy – especially through puberty when his seizures became more frequent – but Hamish has faced every challenge with quiet determination. 

That strength inspired Charlotte to take on a challenge of her own. 

Earlier this year, she decided to fundraise for TSA – her first-ever fundraising feat. She reached out to TSA to get started and quickly found creative ways to build support. Using social media, word of mouth, and even the monthly raffle at the pub where she works, Charlotte rallied her community.  “The response blew me away,” she says. “Once people heard Hamish’s story, they wanted to be part of it.” 

The triathlon itself was a test of endurance: a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle, and a half marathon run. “The second half of the bike was brutal,” she laughs. “But when I saw my mum, aunt and Hamish cheering on the sidelines, that gave me the lift I needed.” 

For Charlotte, it was more than a race. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she says. “I’ve definitely caught the fundraising bug.” 

Now in her third year of a double degree in Business (Marketing) and Molecular Biotechnology, Charlotte has written research papers on TSC and hopes to build a career in healthcare or biotech. “I want to work with organisations that are improving lives for families like mine,” she says. 

At TSA, we’re so grateful to have people like Charlotte in our community. People who remind us that one person’s drive can make an extraordinary difference. 

Are you inspired by Charlotte’s story? You can make a difference too. 

Whether you take on a challenge, host an event, or create something uniquely yours every fundraiser helps light the way for families like Hamish’s. You can find out more information here or sign up today here