78-year-old walking for the NZ Child Cancer Foundation
I'm a 78-year-old bowel cancer survivor walking the 1,700 km section of the Te Araroa Trail on North Island for Child Cancer Foundation
Whakatane, Bay Of Plenty
I'm a 78-year-old, diagnosed with bowel cancer 5 years ago, and after a successful operation and all clear, I was back out there again.
Seeing photographs of really young children struck down by cancer and undergoing horrible treatment made my heart go out to them and their families. I wanted to help in some small way.
I opened my first “Give a Little” page two years ago and began a journey along New Zealand’s longest, 3,000 km trail, the Te Araroa, from Cape Reinga to Bluff. I decided to section-walk the North Island part first, some 1,700 km, beginning in Wellington and heading north. I have now reached Puhoi, north of Auckland, and raised nearly $5,000 for the NZ Child Cancer Foundation so far.
I've had an extended break to heal an injured foot, which hasn't worked. I’d really like to finish this 525 km section in one hit, provided it holds up :)
I hope people will continue to help me along this arduous journey by donating to the CCF, as they support these children and their families during a very dark period.
I sincerely thank those who have generously donated. Thank you for coming on board with me on my journey.
See previous funds raised here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-with-a-real-purpose-and-for-pleasure
Latest update
End of the 90 Mile beach section 25 March 2024
Well, that was a slog! 😄
It was hard physically and mentally to keep going for 5 days walking on hard sand. Almost like walking on a road for 100km. As a consequence one of my feet got wrecked and has forced me to stop and take a long break to fix it. As the walking season for me is coming to a close, I'll wait until the spring and get back into it again. See you then 😍
Latest donations
Hello there, thank you so much for your very kind donation, it is much appreciated. I'm resting up until spring now. I have so many wonderful memories now of some of the sections I've done so far. The amazing Tongariro Crossing; Whanganui River section; the challenging Tararua Mountain Range with its stunning views, Goblin Forests and unspoilt bush; the 90-mile beach section too of course. I'm looking forward to finishing the North Island part of the Te Araroa so I can begin the South island after that
Thank you for supporting me in such an amazing way. All the donations I receive keep me focussed when times get a bit tough, like they did on 90-mile beach, and the Tararua mountain range early on in my walk.
Wow! That's an incredibly kind donation. Thank you for supporting me in such an amazing way. All the donations I receive keep me focussed when times get a bit tough.
Hi Lydia, thank you so much for you very kind donation for the Child Cancer Foundation. That was so lovely of you and very much appreciated. Sadly I'm forcedcto stop atm, because of a foot injury I've sustained by walking 5 days and 100km on the hard sand of the 90 Mile beach section of the Te Araroa trail. However I will be back in earnest again at the beginning of the walking season which starts in September October
Hello Margaret, thank you so much for your very kind donation, that was very kind of you. I'm having a few days rest, as the 100 km walk along the Ninety Mile Beach section badly damaged one of my feet. I hope to be back out there again soon. Best wishes, Duncan 🥰
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.