Walk 4 Sib Support

$3,733 of $3,058 goal

Given by 52 generous donors in around 5 months

I am hiking the 3058 km NZ Te Araroa trail, to raise money for Sib Support so the siblings of children with disabilities feel less alone.

Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa

+2 images

My story is like many others, I grew up in a typical tight knit family with Mum, Dad, me and my brother. The one difference being my brother has Autism with a severe intellectual disability. I like to think of it more as a different way of interpreting the world. Growing up with my brother definitely had its challenges, from spontaneously setting off fire alarms to multiple broken windows. He always kept me and my parents on our toes. However, there have been some truly special moments, such as when he gained independence by moving into his own assisted living place.

Of course there have been many funny moments such as the time he nearly pushed a budda statue down a flight of stairs, and dancing in front of many cctv cameras. Through out all of this we have been so fortunate to have the support of the Parent to Parent charity who I am hoping to raise money to support. They help parents with children with disabilities, and neurodiversity with resources, support and programs.

My personal connection to Parent to Parent is through their SibSupport program. The program brings siblings together for facilitated day workshops, games and structured conversations around life with a sometimes challenging sibling. The goal is to offer support from others with lived experience. I work as a volunteer as a SibLeader, as well as a Volunteer Facilitator of these programs.

Please check out their website for more information on the wonderful work they do https://parent2parent.org.nz

Sam Gutteridge's involvement (page creator)

I have been involved with the Parent2Parents sib support program for a number of years now, from participating, to training and volunteering as a SibLeader to now facilitating Sibshops and bringing my experience to the SibLeader trainings.

Use of funds

All the money raised will be given to Parent to Parent, so they can continue to provide all the amazing resources and programs they offer to famillies like mine.

Other page links

on Instagram

The end is near!! 25 March 2026

Hello everyone. It's been a good while since I put and update up and a lot has happened! Since getting to the south Island we've been treated to some amazing scenery and even more amazing people. We passed through the Richmond ranges, Nelson Lakes, all of Canterbury and just finished up in the Otago and Queenstown Lake districts, it's been plenty of wonderful mountains climbs, deep valley river walking and the ever present inescapable mud! We have reached Te Anau now. Which means, It's the last week and a bit of this epic trip across Aotearoa. It's a strange feeling to be nearly at the end. On one hand I'm very excited to eat something other then couscous and noddles, and on the other I'm going to deeply miss all the amazing people that we've both met, walked with and been inspired by. It's been so cool to also raise money for Parent 2 Parent, and share the work they do with people on the trail. Will post and update at the bottom. Bluff here we come !

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