Coast to Coast for Sands

In November 2023, my brother-in-law and his wife, Tyler and Maddy, had their baby boy Miller Hayes Benson at just under 24 weeks. After three weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Miller sadly passed away, a heartbreaking loss for his parents and our wider family.

There are many people in our lives - friends, colleagues, family - who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby. No doubt you reading this have also had your world touched by this grief in some way.

In support of these friends, I'll be participating in the Coast to Coast on 7-8 February to raise money for Sands New Zealand, a network of parent-run, non-profit groups supporting families who have experienced the death of a baby.

Sands NZ is a registered charity run solely by volunteers. They assist families through their grief by providing support meetings, information, and helping parents celebrate their baby's life through precious photographs, prints, and hand and foot molds.

The Coast to Coast is a 243km multisport race from the West Coast to the East Coast of the South Island. I'll be taking part in the 2-day team event with my friend Ross where I'll complete a 70km cycle and a 70km kayak down the Waimakariri River, and Ross will run the 30.5km track through the Goat's Pass and cycle the final 70km to the finish line.

Any donations to Sands NZ, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.