Back to page

70000m for 70000 diagnoses

  • Day 30 - 70000 done! The Finale Finisher for your viewing pleasure!

      6 March 2022

    Annnnnd thats a wrap!

    A Finale Finisher to round off the 70000m for 70000 diagnoses.

    Today would have been the annual Walk for Dementia fundraiser for Dementia Canterbury, that sadly had to be cancelled.

    It's so exciting to be able to hand over our funds to them to make a bit of a difference to their support.

    Final Fun Fact(s):

    Some of the thoughts I have had whilst churning through the 70000m or 70kms over the past 30 days.

    * I'm doing this for my own mental and physical wellbeing too

    * In the tougher, sweatier parts - no pain, no $ gain

    * Thankfulness for Dementia Canterbury supporting us in our own whanau journey

    * Who came up with this idiotic idea... oh me...

    * Sometimes I feel immense loss, panic and grief - gathering the facts for this project and having time out each day to think has been healing

    * Overwhelmed at the support and discovering just how many other people close and not so close to me have experienced this in their families too

    * Thankful to Lee and my employer that I could find the time each day to chomp away at my goal

    * Thankful to my wonderful Gym whanau at Bodyfix for always having a spare Ski-erg or Rower at the ready and for their donation!

    * Never more appreciative of the healing powers of a massage gun and protein powder

    * Pride in everyone who has supported me

    * Pride in myself for doing this thing!

    * A rower time PB to boot!

    * Thinking... what will next years challenge be?

    * Sending my aroha to everyone on this journey... you are not alone, Kia Kaha ❤️

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • DAY 29 - 69600m - don't leave a girl hangin'

      5 March 2022
    Main image

    A bit of smoke 'n mirrors as my recorded 2.333.33 was part of a longer 5333.33 today!

    Can you believe tomorrow is the very last day of this challenge?

    I'm so grateful for all of those who have contributed - the final finale is a goody to thank you for all the generosity.

    Fun Fact:

    Take home messages:

    • No one is getting younger, and yet we are living longer

    • We have a NEED to preserve function and delay health risks

    • Diet and lifestyle are an excellent PREVENTION

    Ref: Brain Health, Dr. Olivia Currie, https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/sites/default/files/Brain%20Health.pdf

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 28 - Ah, Mr Row we meet again #67200m done

      4 March 2022
    Main image

    Gotta say, the Row is my least favourite for 2333m but it had to be done - and it was!

    In fact I PB'd the result so there's another win!

    FUN FACT:

    Being active - no matter what your prognosis is, is GOOD!

    Great advice right here... we need to stick to it to be around for our LO's (and keep away from those RATs!)

    Ref: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/g/general-benefits-of-being-active/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 27 - Walkies! #64800m done

      3 March 2022
    Main image

    Delayed coverage today viewers as I had to go and see a man about a RAT - here's me in my 'walkies shorties'

    Fun Fact:

    Wanna know where I got the idea for the Fundraiser?

    *Almost 70,000 Kiwis are living with dementia today.

    *Almost 170,000 Kiwis are likely to be living with dementia by 2050

    *4 out of 5 New Zealanders know or have known someone living with dementia.

    *Dementia impacts more women than men – around 30% higher

    Ref: https://cdn.alzheimers.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Infographic-Dementia-Economic-Impact-Report-2020-1.pdf

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 26 - $50 challenge day #62400m

      2 March 2022

    A number of you fine donators have suggested a Stairs challenge - of course, today is the day it rained.

    So clad in the finest uni-wear, I calculated 14 flights of 16 stairs.

    Fun Fact:

    It's Brain Awareness Month!

    Timely and helpful, read more from the Neurological Org here:

    https://neurological.org.nz/what-we-do/brain-awareness-month/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 25 - I like to ride my bi-cycle.. #60000m done

      1 March 2022
    Main image

    60000m done!

    A fairly zoomy 2.33km this morning or my PT kindly offered the 233 burpee alternative! Ah.. no.

    Fun Fact:

    Whilst I'm down to the last 5 days if this 30 day challenge, the fundraising doesn't need to stop there! Here are just some of the ways you can help out this important Organisation!

    Ref: https://dementia.nz/get-involved/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 24 - It was an effort #57600m done

      28 February 2022
    Main image

    Bit of a forced effort today, not feeling great and with the thoughts circling on who's carrying who now as your LO is impacted by their Memory loss?

    Once again a quick dip into Dementia Canterbury's resources helped out with that...

    Fun Fact:

    Feel the feelings

    Dementia inevitably brings changes to everyday life and these can be experienced as stressful and unwelcome. While supporting a person with dementia can be enormously rewarding, it is important to acknowledge some of the difficulties and attend to these as they arise. For example, if the grief surrounding changes is not acknowledged and processed, a care partner may miss out on appreciating the many abilities the person with dementia still retains. An important part of processing difficult feelings can be through talking with others, whether that is a friend, a social worker or a support group.

    Ref: https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/changes-and-adjustment

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 23 - Sister at arms, Namaste #55200m

      27 February 2022
    Main image

    After 3 days of hammering the legs it was time to put some draw some attention to ones arms - so 23(ish)kg pulldowns for 100 reps - done.

    Thanks to Bodyfix for their donation jar as well!

    Yoga this morning and the end meditation, got me wondering and googling about Dementia and mind relaxation.

    Fun Fact:

    Meditation to reduce stress, relax the mind, and revitalize the connection of the body to the brain. A simple meditation practice may include sitting comfortably in the chair, taking deep breathing through the nose for 10-15 minutes while keeping the focus of mind on breathing. A great mind work out for both LO and their Carers

    Ref: https://www.yorkshire-village.com/blog/view/1227/meditation-for-alzheimers-dementia

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 22 - Why bother?

      26 February 2022
    Main image

    On a day where the target had been done and the PT in the Park workout (all 3000 reps of it) had been completed, it's tempting to say 'meh'.

    But Coach Doodle kept me to task and reminded me “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

    Fun Fact:

    That quote was not by my Labrdoodle but actually Confucius

    Ref: http://www.thaibis.com/Home/news/confuciusonlifeloveandhappiness

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 21 - Happy Wife, happy squat, BIG target! 50400m down

      25 February 2022
    Main image

    So when you ask you Spouse what should you do for your 2333.33 challenge tomorrow and they nonchalantly say - 233 squats... you deliver!

    Fun Fact:

    WE MADE THE $2333.33 TARGET!

    Massive thanks to the BodyFix Whanau and protein enhancing Halswell Butchery for (beef) tipping us over the edge!

    8 days to go - imagine what total we can give to Dementia Canterbury!!

    All these dollars go towards the funds they would have made from their cancelled Walk for Dementia, lets do this!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 20 - A real feat! 48000m done

      24 February 2022
    Main image

    Day 20, an autumnal walk - and a record of some of the feat (see what I did there) we are achieving.

    10 days left and a realistic target of 2333.33 to hit.

    Although I was so immersed in getting up my home hill (yep every walk ends in a hill - no other entry!) I forgot to get the screenshot at 2.33! So here's a 2.34 evidence :D

    Fun Fact:

    Sometimes having a LO with Memory loss is no fun. Every time we try to help, we need to slow everything down, plan and transition change for them to understand or accept. As an impatient Aquarian that's a real challenge.

    I've found this guide to be really helpful:

    Ref Dementia NZ: https://dementia.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/about_dementia_4__communicating_with_people_with_dementia.pdf

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Let's give Dementia Canterbury the best boost!

      24 February 2022
    Main image

    We've now reached over $1800 due to all you wonderful donors.

    In keeping with our theme of 2333 - the target has been set on $2333 with the last 9 days of 2333.33ms to go!

    That's only 17 donations of $30 each to go - WE CAN DO THIS!!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 19 - The Duathlon (sorta) 45600m done

      23 February 2022
    Main image

    I've wanted to add some water to the challenge for a while - so it was a pool (with Coach Roberta da Duck) and walk challenge today!

    In the meantime, you a-ma-zing people have got us to $1785! I can feel $2333.33 being achievable, can we do it? YES we can!

    Fun Fact:

    If you're concerned over your LO's day to day living, it's a really good idea to chat to their local Health Practitioner and tee up a Needs Assessment. This is a great way of keeping them independent but sorting a helping hand out with the hard bits too.

    Ref: www.govt.nz Needs Assessment Service Coordination: https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/help-in-your-home/needs-assessment/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 18 - Row ya boat... 42300m down

      22 February 2022
    Main image

    Time for a cheeky row!

    BIG Ups to BodyFix who have sent out an email to their clients on behalf of this fundraiser.

    Overnight, we doubled the target!

    Do we dare strive for $2333.33?

    Fun Fact:

    Spending this time looking at info and resources, helps me to understand what is going on in the mind of my LO (Loved one) - take a watch here for more insights from this clip 'I have Alzheimer's Disease - What Can I Do to Help Myself and Improve my Day to Day Life?'

    Dementia Canterbury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds9ujRUZyUc&list=PL55XqDjybyL8SukS3lhrwS39NLOrgs8hp&index=8

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 17 - Nana Burpees

      21 February 2022

    Once again the $50 donation you get to choose my action appears!

    Just a sweet 233 burpees (altered for my oldness) and mountain climbers - a small vignette for your sampling - man, I have bad mountain climber form!

    Fun Fact:

    The whanau are the ones who need to change when supporting a LO with Dementia - take a read on things we need to do - handy for everyday as well!

    Ref Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Bonus blog - MumC turns 85

      20 February 2022
    Main image

    Today marks MumC's 85th cycle around the sun. Much has changed since we celebrated her 80th - a change in home to a retirement village, some broken (but nicely healed) bones after falls, a pacemaker and an official dementia diagnosis. She is a dear oldie to many, bloody stubborn at times to her children and can always be found at her piano, an instrument that has been part of her life for (at least) the last 80 years.

    For the first time last year she spoke of being depressed, unsure why her memory was failing her but still strangely comfortable with the mystery children visiting her at night and running their fingers through her butter!

    Upon diagnosis, she was non-plussed, read the information, spoke to the Doctor and Dementia Canterbury - in truth, she 'passes' until her memory fails or a reference to a long deceased family member is mentioned. So much so that her fellow villagers were worried thinking something might be up but completely unaware of the last 12months we'd had of actually getting a diagnosis. Now, they have an understanding, they keep an eye out for her. She lives in her Villa with twice daily Carer visits and, at the stage, this seems to be enough. We worry constantly about her eating but ensure she has at least 1 hot meal a day with Meals on Wheels. Today, my brother made sure she was dressed nicely and in true, B Dogg form, was insistent that his first choice was too dark and she wanted some colour! At 85, we're not sure what that future holds, when do we look at more supported living? Will we be able to make the decision with her or have to transition this for her? Only time will tell.

    Dementia Canterbury have been severely challenged by Lockdown conditions, preventing both personal visits or the regular workshops. The phone calls we have received have been a time to rant, a time to query and a prompt, that hey, as a family you're actually doing ok!

    Where would we been without them, we hate to imagine that so this fundraiser is just a small gesture to show our thanks to the work they do.

    Please take a read and dig deep - 14days of my sweat to go and only a quick 'Donate' click to be made by you!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 16 - a big day...

      20 February 2022
    Main image

    Yoga then on to the bike... today is a special day for MumC - more on that later

    Fun Fact:

    Listen to this interview with Kim Hill talking to Wendy Mitchell as person with an early age diagnosis of Dementia. It was thought provoking and gave unique insight - well worth a listen.

    RNZ: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018831195/wendy-mitchell-what-you-need-to-know-about-dementia

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 15 - I'm halfway! - It's a walk in the (PT in the) Park

      19 February 2022
    Main image

    36000m down and the halfway mark!

    A blat of fast proportions around the park before joining my wonderful PT in the Park whanau. This is a wonderful community that keeps my fitness up and have been keen supporters of this fundraiser

    Fun Fact:

    PT in the Park, FREE outdoor exercise, available for everyone!

    https://www.ptinthepark.nz/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 14 - Friyay walkies.. and 1 hill #336000m done

      18 February 2022
    Main image

    It's Friday! No mammoth hills or gym torture equipment today - a sedentary walk (can you see my halo? No really, it's in the pic!)

    Fun Fact:

    This fundraiser is keeping my energy and sleep patterns up, I'll tell you. But like everything you need to look after yourself whilst you worry, fret, feel guilty and generally try to care for someone with Dementia.

    Handy hints courtesy of Dementia Canterbury:

    Get moving

    Limit alcohol, caffeine and sugar

    Prioritise pleasure and people

    Relax, relax, relax

    Eat well

    Practice gratitude

    Talk to someone

    Ref: https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/looking-after-yourself

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 13 - Zee Ski-ewwww

      17 February 2022
    Main image

    I went to Row for the mahi today... but I think I broke the display and gotta have the evidence!

    So, I chose the Ski-erg but my least favored toy but it's for the funds eh?

    Fun Fact:

    Last night I attended a really great Zoom meeting hosted by Dementia Canterbury and presented by Psychiatrist Dr Matthew Croucher, about the impact of dementia within families such as changing roles and managing conflicts, as well as a word on genetic inheritance and dementia.

    There is another free community session on Legal issues and Dementia coming soon!

    Well worth a watch - find out about all the free sessions here!

    https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/free-community-education-seminars

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 12 - Pipe dreams

      16 February 2022
    Main image

    Hmmmm DCW 2.33 seemed to take an awful long time today - thats because my dear DCW it was up a hill.

    Pipeline traverse today (disclaimer: done for distance so didn't quite get to the top!)

    Fun Fact:

    What do you do when you can't speak for yourself?

    As a family we all sorted out Enduring Powers of Attorney around 22 years ago after DadC died suddenly - y'know, but we'll never need them!

    When MumC had a stroke 6 years ago, we instantly activated the Property EPA and it was so easy to sort out all the financials - as her health has declined she can run her purse and we can help out with all the 'hard' stuff easily.

    Thankfully after diagnosis, it was another easy step to activate the Health and Wellbeing EPA over the past 18 months too - no so much if we had not had this in place.

    Easy, do it - you never know when you'll need it!

    https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/e/enduring-power-of-attorney/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 11 - back on da bike

      15 February 2022
    Main image

    Back on the bicycle today to complete the daily 2333.33m - interesting to see the time getting faster too!

    And as an accompaniment, a T-Rex mate of mine...

    Fun Fact:

    Having a family member being diagnosed is scary (a bit like a T-rex), tips 'n tricks find a support group like Dementia Canterbury or, there are a few on social media BUT make sure you remember that every journey and experience is different and nothing you do to help is 'wrong'.

    Make sure you locate other support services like Older Persons Mental Health (DHB) and Nurse Maude. Before MumC's diagnosis I was getting daily calls from them about her behaviour,/health, but once we sat down and looked at her needs and necessities, the calls are a lot less often and she is able to maintain some independence still with a daily eye on her to help with the important stuff.

    Ref: https://nursemaude.org.nz/canterbury/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 10 - It's Monyay!

      14 February 2022
    Main image

    No monkeying around today - work calls, so a zip around the roads and hills for the 2333.33m daily completion.

    What a wonderful way to wake up to discover we have eclipsed the 1k donation mark! Thank you to ALL who are giving

    Surely we can get to 1700? Let's visualise a target of $2333.33!

    Fun Fact:

    It's Valentines Day so lets have a look at how a healthy heart helps:

    Management of heart risk factors may benefit all types of dementia. Generally, what is good for your heart is good for your brain.

    Ref: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/d/dementia/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 9 - Olympic ski-ing

      13 February 2022
    Main image

    Tis the season for Winter Olympics (and weather quite frankly) so the Ski-erg took a beating for my 2333.33m today.

    Fellow gym buddy JC egged me on and did his own 2333.33 on the bike today!

    Fun Fact:

    This fundraiser is small gesture to bring the conversations about Dementia in New Zealand out into the open. The donations often come with a note about how you or your whanau have been impacted by this increasingly common condition in our elderly and not so elderly loved ones... Thank you, it's great for all of us to not feel alone.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 8 - Swinger

      12 February 2022
    Main image

    233.33 kettlebell swings later with Coach Doodle and making sure there was rain protection!

    It's the freakin' weekend get those donations humming for week 2 of DCW's 2333.33 a day challenge!

    Not so Fun Fact: It took over 2 years and only upon observation of an entirely different issue to get MumC diagnosed. The hesitancy and stigma of elderly mental health is frustrating for both family and the loved one.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day Seven - 16800m down!

      11 February 2022
    Main image

    End of week 1 and the metres are ticking up.

    Hopefully we can get some more moola on the donation clock as well!

    Fun Fact:

    Once you've emptied your wallet and grabbed some coins from down the back of the couch for this fundraiser - you can make a more regular contribution via the Payroll scheme - learn more here:https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/payroll-giving

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day Six - Rain walker

      10 February 2022
    Main image

    She's a wet one - but 2333.33m needed to get done!

    What's a little rain when you are so grateful for the amazing donors - THANK YOU!

    Fun Fact:

    Dementia Canterbury have a plethora of resources for both whanau and those who have been diagnosed: https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/resources

    Reading material, exercise videos and Classes.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Target done!

      10 February 2022
    Main image

    We beat the target in Week 1!

    Thank you to everyone who has sponsored, cajoled and 'liked'

    Time now to keep going and make even more moola for Dementia Canterbury!

    So easy - all you have to do is click the donate button - I'll do all the movement mahi for you!

    How much you ask?

    *$10 or $20 to top up

    *$30 match the cancelled Dementia Canterbury walk fundraiser entry fee

    *$50 - set me 'how' I will complete the 2333m on a day (within reason ;) )

    * $100 - join in the fun with me (distanced, of course!)

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 5 - The $50 donor choice!

      9 February 2022

    Don't forget, if you donate $50 or more YOU get to choose the movement of the day to achieve 2333.33

    Edited highlights of todays challenge!

    Fun Fact:

    Staying active and engaged with life is key to your well-being. Dementia is not a reason to close the curtains and turn on the TV set. We are fortunate in Canterbury to have a wonderful range of activities and support services in the community to keep us living active and enjoyable lives.

    In addition to this, Dementia Canterbury offers a wide range of social and activity programmes for people with dementia.

    Ref: https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/living-well-dementia

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day Four - Walks but indoors!

      8 February 2022
    Main image

    Oh the options are endless when it rains so an indoor walk today!

    Keep those donations a'comin... almost to our minimum target who knows how much we can give back in return to the Dementia Canterbury team who do so much for us!

    Fun Fact:

    Receiving the news that a partner, friend or family member has a diagnosis of dementia may come as a devastating shock to some, while for others it may confirm what they already suspected, providing an explanation for the changes they had been seeing in the person. Either way, a diagnosis of dementia marks a significant point in people’s lives where the reality of living life with dementia is faced. How people respond to this challenge is going to be varied and unique... and thats where Dementia Canterbury can help us all!

    Ref: https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/changes-and-adjustment

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day 3 - the row!

      7 February 2022
    Main image

    Can’t be all walks and gentle cycles, so today was the 2333 row.

    Fun Fact: Exercising in mid-life

    Several prospective studies have looked at middle-aged people and the effects of physical exercise on their thinking and memory in later life. Combining the results of 11 studies shows that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 per cent.

    Ref: Alzheimers.org.uk

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day Two - Walkies!

      6 February 2022
    Main image

    A muggy Waitangi Day, plenty of walkers, doggos and the like out and about,.

    Fun Fact: Not sure how much to donate?

    Dementia Canterbury's cancelled fundraiser was $30 per person - sounds like a good amount to me!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Day One - done!

      5 February 2022
    Main image

    The rain poured but the first of 30 x 2333.33 got done!

    Fun Fact: Dementia Canterbury was established in 2016, initially known as ADARDS (Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Society), the organisation grew into Alzheimers Canterbury at a regional level, now with 20 other regional groups around the country.

    Extra Funner Fact: Today's my birthday and as this fundraiser is for what Dementia Canterbury do for our whanau for our MumC, it seemed more than appropriate to start today!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Wow!

      3 February 2022
    Main image

    Overwhelmed by the donations online so far - thank you all :)

    We're over a third of the way to the target before Day One of 2333.33 begins!

    Speaking of which - I've been asked what kinda activities I'll be doing to achieve the meter-age - so here they are - and of course donate $50 or more and you get to nominate the move for a day:

    * walking

    * cycling

    * treadmill

    * rowing

    Bring on Saturday Day 1!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Keep 'em coming!

      1 February 2022
    Main image

    So grateful for the donations before Day 1 even kicks off!

    Dementia Canterbury needs to fund raise over 10k every year to continue to provide the resources, guidance and care they do to increasing community. Every dollar counts - get your donation in now!

    https://www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz/how-we-help

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Yay! We're moderated and able to take donations!

      31 January 2022
    Main image

    4 days till the challenge begins - got a bit of practice in today

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment