Help Me Represent Aotearoa – And Give Back to the Cancer Society

Kia ora, my name is Deen Abu Bakar.

I discovered running 13 years ago after learning that my dad had been diagnosed with lung cancer. At the time, I was a smoker, neglecting my health, & heading down a destructive path. Determined to turn things around, I took up running.

In 2013, I ran my first marathon - and this year, I ran my 50th marathon for my 50th birthday in Rotorua.

I've pushed further into ultra-distance races and recently placed 3rd at the NZ 24-Hour National Championship early in May.

Now, an unexpected and humbling opportunity has come my way:

I’ve been selected to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the 24-Hour Athletics World Championships in Albi, France. This is the ultimate honour in my running journey — a dream come true. But with that dream comes a cost.

Rather than trying to fund this experience on my own, I’ve decided to focus on fundraising, not just for me, but for something bigger.

I’m aiming to raise $30,000.

$9,500 will go towards covering the costs of travel, gear, and support crew for the World Championships. Every dollar beyond that will go directly to the Cancer Society — a cause that means everything to me.

Cancer affects us all – every day, 74 Kiwis are diagnosed. The Cancer Society funds crucial research and support for people with cancer and their whānau.

This journey isn’t just mine — it’s ours.

Thank for your support– for me, for my team, and for every Kiwi facing cancer.

Let’s make this dream happen, together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Deen