If the thought of one first date makes your palms sweat and your knees go weak, spare a thought for the single woman from Wellington who will take on 24 dates in 24 hours next month.

With the help of internet dating site FindSomeone.co.nz, More FM announcer Tarsh Tolson will try and find the love of her life the quick fire way this Valentine’s Day.

Eligible bachelors from around the country are being called upon to put their hands up for one of the 24 one-hour first dates. The dates will include everything from skydiving to candlelit dinner, right through to baggage handling at the airport and helping out at the local SPCA.

Already more than 150 men have already signed up as potential date partners for Tarsh including a self-described “36-year-old government slave” and an 80-year-old from Blenheim who is sick of being single and wants to find someone “who likes to hold hands and hug”.

Tarsh is 39 and describes herself as quick-witted and fiercely passionate on her FindSomeone profile. She says it’s not easy to find the “man of your dreams”.

“I’m not sure if there is officially a man drought, but I seem to be smack bang in the middle of one. I’ll be getting through about five years of first dates in 24 hours so my chances of finding the right guy should increase exponentially. I hope I don’t end up falling asleep with the date in hour 19 as I don’t usually sleep with people on the first date.”

Findsomeone.co.nz operations manager Mike O'Donnell says the dating website traditionally sees a significant spike in activity in the lead-in to Valentine’s Day.

“Each year, the number of messages and smiles being sent goes nuts about now as single people make their move for February 14. And the good news for Tarsh and other single ladies out there is that the man drought is not online - there are more male daters online in New Zealand than females: 56% compared to 44%.”

Single men have until 7 February 2011 to secure one of the 24 dates by registering online at www.findsomeone.co.nz/morefm. The first of the 24 dates kicks off at 6am on Valentine’s Day.

ENDS

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