1,000kms for Huntington's Youth

Huntington's Disease is a genetic, degenerative, neurological disease which affects 1:10,000 New Zealanders. To date there is no cure. The impact of the disease on the individual & family unit can be devastating & destructive. Young adults growing up with the challenges presented by Huntington's Disease whether they are “at risk” or not can often feel isolated & alone.

An annual HDYO-NZ Youth camp would bring people from across New Zealand together for a week of outdoor activities to meet & bond with their peers, share experiences & stories & to learn about Huntington's Disease, the advances in research & available support systems.

The mountain bike ride is a set route from East Cape in Tairāwhiti, to Cape Egmont in Taranaki (Kopiko Challenge) covering 1,000km of back road wilderness & tracks. This is a challenging track that will involve climbs totaling over 17,000 metres – almost the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest, twice! This will be happening between 27 November - 10 December, 2023.

Our key goals are to raise the profile of Huntington's Disease in both the medical profession & general public to improve acceptance & support for individuals impacted by the Disease & to raise funds for HDYO-NZ to facilitate an annual camp.