Fuelling Hope

$24,145 donated

Given by 71 generous donors in 6 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

Fuelling Hope March 2024 12 March 2024

2024 marks 7 years of training, adventures and running while continuing my fund raising effects for the Family Care Centre. This year I have new goals, supporting medical outreaches to the hard to access and more remote areas of Vanuatu and enjoying the Northburn 50km next week and my first backyard ultra in June. A couple of weeks ago I ran in the Old Ghost Ultra, a out and back rather than the usual point to point due to a predicted electrical storm. The event showcased all the beauty the west coast has to offer, with raging rivers, swing bridges, wild life and lush green native bush. My day was surrounded with kind people who enjoyed my consistant, easy pace, following behind, dropping off, speeding ahead and rejoining, cheered by the volunteers, having the opportunity to promote fuelinghope to captive audience on the FB life stream from Specimen Point. As the heavens opened and the trail became boggy, with a little tumble, I picked myself up returning to my familiar easy pace, with a burst of energy as I neared the finishing line where I was welcomed by 2 good friends, drenched to the skin, looking like a sogging rag doll but so appreciative of the privilege of being able to run the 85kms with beautiful people who too want to preserve and protect our trails for future generations to enjoy.

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