Leaning Into Your Friends

At the 2007 Wellington 7s, a fancy dressed PC Inspector placed a cheeky sticker on a cute as Christchurch bumble-bee. That sticker brought two soul mates together and a great man into our family.

The fun-loving Taranaki lad married my beautiful sister Kim at 'The Cave' in Redcliffs, 2009. Their venue, like their love, unique.

A new home in Woolston filled with Kims love of vintage and with the Port Hills at the back door as Russells mountain-biking playground, life was great. Especially with the arrival of Macy Pearl, a new treasure to our family.

And then the earthquake. A real game changer for this young family now expecting their second child, Louis. Like many Cantabrians, their now broken home sitting in the liquefaction and portaloos but more significantly it triggered the onset of Russells cancer. An angry, agressive breed. The young Dad though was up for the challenge as they created the strongest chemo concoction imaginable. And man, when the call was made that the tumour was not to be spied on the x-ray, a dance of joy could be heard on the floorboards!

A celebration, a new start as the young family shifted to Wellington. Unfortunatly only 2 years was the reprieve before it showed up again. A shift to Russells hometown of New Plymouth, with a new energy to take on more chemo, meditation, courses, organics and immunotherapy which saw the tumour shrinking. All the while both Russell and Kim volunteering and fundraising for World Vision, their community, Movember, helping friends,the list goes on. His blog 'Leanin into the spikes' a reminder to us all about whats important and what to treasure. Inspirational.

It was gutting news to hear it has recently grown and found a couple of friends. We need a new boost for Russell. A gathering of the power of prayer, thought and positive vibes as he takes on the next round of chemo. So amongst us all who care and love you, we would like to take this opportunity and fundraise for something that is important to you. Wether its bills, new treatments, a holiday, a bucket list moment, a paddling pool for the kids or new tap shoes for the dance of joy. Whatever it is you choose, this is gifted from all of us with love because for 5 years youve been so independant. The time has come when I think its right that you 'Lean Into Your Friends. xx