OilVoice - "Big Fat Ambition" to Raise £1million For Wounded Soldiers

"Big Fat Ambition" to Raise £1million For Wounded Soldiers

Monday, March 08, 2010

Senior Oil & Gas Manager Quits Job to Generate Donations by Losing 30 Pounds

Wounded soldiers and their families are set to receive a financial boost from Big Fat Ambition, a fundraising initiative launched today by founder Mark Elliott. A well-known figure in the oil and gas industry, Elliott gave up his expat job and has committed to losing 30 pounds of bodyweight in order to raise £1 million for two well-established charities that provide support to injured military personnel: 'Help for Heroes' in the United Kingdom and the 'Wounded Warrior Project' in the USA.

Call for Support from Global Oil & Gas Community
After working for 20 years in the pipeline industry, Elliott, 43, felt it was time to take a career break and give something back. 'We don't always attract the best publicity in the oil and gas industry, and often work alongside members of the armed forces, wherever conflict breaks out. When a country has seen armed conflict, it's important to get the infrastructure back up and running quickly, which is where the oil and gas industry comes in, particularly the pipeline industry. Pipelines are often the lifeblood of an economy, and an easy target for sabotage,' said Elliott.

'Throughout my career, I've learned that despite of some negative press, my industry is full of really great people who are hard-working, resourceful and generous, so I quit my job without fear that this initiative wouldn't succeed,' he added. 'I know there are many people like me who care deeply for the communities around them in areas battered by conflict. I hope that through my efforts, I can give a voice to my colleagues to channel their support and donate to these worthy charities that provide such outstanding support to injured soldiers and those who love them.'

The Road Ahead
Weighing in at 217 pounds on Day 1, the 5' 8-½' Elliott aims to whittle his weight down to a trim 187 pounds by June 2010. With determination and a team of fitness experts and nutritionists who are donating their expertise, the self-confessed couch potato will be put through his paces. In addition to adopting a healthy balanced diet, the road to fitness will be paved with spinning classes, calisthetics, circuit training, swimming, cycling, power-walking, and aerobics. Every Monday, he will be measured and weighed, with the results posted on the dedicated Big Fat Ambition website.

The adventure has already begun. On 1 March, Elliott took his first steps toward fitness with a spinning class, and has been power-walking around the beautiful beaches of Cyprus with trainer Bonnie Toward. Every day, progress reports are posted on the Big Fat Ambition website, along with news of donations and the latest articles. In fact, British Forces Broadcasting Service Radio 2 interviewed him this week. For an up close and personal update, supporters can listen to the interview by going online at http://www.bigfatambition.com/blog/broadcasts-and-publications

Make a Difference
The million pound goal will only be reached if everyone donates. In addition to individual donations, employees of oil and gas companies in particular are encouraged to approach their employers to advertise or become Corporate Sponsors. These generous donors will receive a permanent banner on the Big Fat Ambition homepage, with a link to the company's website.

Track Mark's Progress, Donate or Sponsor Online
To donate or track Mark's progress, supporters are encouraged to visit www.bigfatambition.com where they can subscribe to his blog and receive updates via email, join the Facebook Big Fat Ambition Group or access Twitter, each of which is linked to the site. Donations are channelled directly to the charity of the donor's choice: Help for Heroes or the Wounded Warrior Project. Big Fat Ambition does not accept donations directly. Alternatively, Mark can be contacted directly at mark@bigfatambition.com.

A 'Forces Kid'
As the son of Flight Sergeant Hugh Oliver Elliott of Britain's Royal Air Force, Mark grew up as a 'forces kid.' Although his father was never injured in the line of duty, he passed away while completing his service. Mark's desire to reach out to wounded soldiers and their families by raising funds to enhance their lives stems not only from his respect for his father, but to honour those who continue to serve today.

About Big Fat Ambition
Launched in March 2010 by Mark Elliott, My Big Fat Ambition aims to raise £1 million by summer 2010 for wounded soldiers and their families. He plans to do this by losing 30 pounds by adopting a healthy diet and intensive fitness regime monitored by volunteer nutritionists and fitness experts. Donors are directed to the initiative's official website www.bigfatambition.com where they can donate to the US-based charity Wounded Warriors Project or to Help for Heroes in the UK. Big Fat Ambition is registered with Help for Heroes at reference number 20100225-5551-7328 and with Wounded Warriors Project at reference number 106347068. It is based in Limassol, Cyprus.