Run for Riri - Half Marathon Fundraiser

UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, the St Clair half marathon has been cancelled. We are all going to do individual activities on Saturday 9 May to mark the day and thank all our supporters. Later in the year, when it is safe to do so, we are going to run 21km together. We will keep all our supporters updated and check out the Running for Riri FB page to see pics of what we do on Saturday.

Thanks for all your support!! We are still running for Riri and she is still working hard throughout lockdown x

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Last year I challenged myself to my very first half marathon, coming from the girl who literally couldn't run from one lamppost to the next to tackling 21kms at the St Clair Half Marathon in May.

I used this as an opportunity to raise funds for wonderful friends of mine who have a daughter called Amaria. Amaria (Riri) has CDKL5, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe epilepsy and developmental delays. Because Riri's disorder is so rare the expensive therapy she needs is on going and we are also hoping to raise enough for an all terrain buggy for this lovely young lady to use as she grows up.

This year I have rallied a group of amazing first timers to join us, including Riri's parents Steph and James Emery themselves. The other amazing ladies in our team are Anita Van Der Valden, Lois Monteba & Elsa Pennu with others still potentially joining too. Most of us met through dancing with the Hot Mama's which is part of a dance club owned by Riri's auntie and we are all local to North Canterbury.

We are all hoping to put our efforts to good use to raise all we can for Amaria. Every little bit helps so any amount will be greatly received by this deserving family and it definitely gives us extra motivation to help get across that finish line!