The Gumboot Marathon !

$8,729 of $2,000 goal

Given by 140 generous donors in around 5 months

I am running the Auckland Marathon in red gumboots to raise awareness for Melanoma New Zealand and the Rural Support Trust.

Nationwide

***Page Update - We reached our target ! Now let's see how much extra we can get, every extra dollar helps these two awesome charities ! ***

In November 2020 I will run the Auckland Marathon - in bright red gumboots!

I was a competitive runner in high-school, and it will be ten years since my last race, where I won the New Zealand 4km Championship.

I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer last year, at 24 years old. Fortunately I caught it early and after two surgeries, am now all clear. Approximately thirteen people in New Zealand are diagnosed each day (highest incidence rate in the WORLD), and not all are as lucky as me.

My father Kevin Keeys passed away from melanoma in 2007 when I was 12 years old.

Working in the Agri-Food industry, I'm also acutely aware of the challenges faced by rural communities, and farmers facing ongoing challenges with weather & climate, debt & financing, and regulation & perception. Rural communities and farmers have the highest suicide rate in the country.

I will be raising awareness and donating funds to Melanoma New Zealand and the Rural Support Trust (50/50)

https://www.melanoma.org.nz/

http://www.rural-support.org.nz/

I will live stream during the race on Instagram!

You can follow the progress:

https://instagram.com/jack_keeys

Jack Keeys' involvement (page creator)

Two deserving charities that I have a close connection with

Use of funds

Funds will be paid to Melanoma New Zealand and the Rural Support Trust (50/50)

Other page links

on Facebook

The Next Challenge ! 18 February 2021

It's now been four months since the big day! The blisters are well and truly gone, the toe nails have almost grown back, and a knee injury is almost back to normal too!

We raised $22,729 in total for our two charities - an unbelievable response from an amazing bunch of kiwi individuals and companies supporting a great cause.

The most frequently asked question was "what are you going to do with your gumboots?".

I took them to my Dad's grave in Paeroa on Christmas day, a special gift for the person who inspired this event, someone who battled hard but lost the war against Melanoma.

I'll continue to do the gumboot marathon in some red gummies each year, mostly to keep raising awareness for Melanoma NZ and Rural support Trust each year, but for any fundraising to support these two charities as well.

The next big event however, could be an even greater challenge! I'm going to attempt two of NZ's Great Walks and over 100km in just five days - barefoot.

This is to raise funds with charity partner Salvation Army to purchase school shoes and sports shoes for Children in need in targeted communities across New Zealand and Africa.

You can find more information or support our cause here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/barefoot-for-a-future

Thank you again to everyone for helping to make a difference

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