Fuelling Hope

$31,773 donated

Given by 97 generous donors in 8 years

Marine reach is voluntary organization where medical ships serve and support the isolated communities of the South Pacific

Canterbury

Thank you so much for supporting me throughout my training leading up to, and the day of, Tarawera's, 50km ultra-marathon November 2017 and the 12 days of Christmas virtual charity run - running 200km over 12 days. Now in 2018 I hope to continue with my fund raising effects for Marine Reach by entering and racing the 17km Arrowsmith mountain race with 1182 total elevation, 20km Oparara Wildness Trail Race in the beautiful Kahurangi National park, 26km Captain Cooks Landing in the Queen Charlotte Sounds with the 60km Kepler being the major goal for the year - all while wearing a traditional island (Aelan) dress. Marine Reach are a organization whose ships (and medical/dentistry clinic, offering free services to the Ni-Van people in Port Vila, Efate) serve the isolated communities of the South Pacific as well as those in PNG and Panama - where dentists, doctors, nurses, OTs and physios and ophthalmologists, provide care and medical assistance

Raechel Keepa's involvement (page creator)

After returning from West Santo, Vanuatu, late last year I am reminded of the men, women (in their long flowing "Mama" dresses) and children from surrounding villages who would walk up to 4-5 hours over mountainous Santo to seek medical assistance after hearing of "Pacific Hopes" arrival.

So just as the Ni Van women walked many kms in long, challenging attire, I will be supporting them by running the 50km Tarawera and future races in my dress (gifted to me last year in Erromango, Vanuatu)

Use of funds

"Pacific Hope" is one of Marine Reaches medical ships that transports crew and medical staff to the isolated communities of the South Pacific and now is supporting the communities of Panama after the latest devastating cyclone. Fuel is the greatest expense and with funds I hope to raise will enable Marine Reach the opportunity to help communities in the South Pacific and further afield

Other page links

Fueling Hope-2025 1 October 2025

It's been 8 years since donning my first island dress in 2017 and it never ceases to amaze me the generosity and support shown to me and the Family Care Centre.

On the back of my latest miler in Naseby, Central Otago, I have been enjoying the opportunity to volunteer at running events, after receiving so much from the running community it's fantastic to be able to give back.

Thus years donations have gone directly to the centre's medical and dental clinics in addition to MAT time, where vulnerable youth are mentored and supported by a team from the centre.

Looking ahead, I'm hoping to give the Northburn100 km another crack as well as The Otipua 12 hour challenge, throwing in some day and overnight adventures.

I'm excited this November be heading back to PNG, this time to Madang. Boarding the American ship YWAM Kona for the first time, and 4 years since my last outreach to PNG.

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