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Going the extra mile for those that can't - A Coast to Coast challenge

$914 of $1,000 goal

Given by 19 generous donors in 21 days

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Raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand Inc. (MDANZ)

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ORIGINAL POST

Over the last 18 months, my dear brother-in-law in the UK has been struck down by Muscular Dystrophy, a truly debilitating disease. I'm grieving for the loss that this loving and active role model of a man faces as he heads into a very different retirement from the one he envisaged two years ago when he spent four months cycling and touring round NZ, and spending time with us in Christchurch.

Over 'Show Weekend' (14-15 Nov), I will be going 250 km from Kumara Beach on the West Coast to Sumner Beach in Christchurch following the route of the classic Coast to Coast race. Spread over two days, the first day includes a 60 km bike ride followed by the infamous 30 km mountain run (probably more walk in my case) over Goat Pass, before another 20 km on the bike. Day 2 starts with 70 km rafting down the Waimakariri River and ends with a 70 km bike ride back across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

So while going those 156 extra miles, I'd like to raise some money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand Inc. (MDANZ), and support their efforts to support "individuals, families and whānau by providing specialist information, practical resources, personalised support services, social networks, campaigns for public awareness and advocacy. And through our research trust, we work to improve care standards and facilitate access to potential treatments for neuromuscular conditions." (https://www.mda.org.nz/) In summary, to support those in NZ that are facing similar difficulties to those that my brother-in-law and his family are facing the UK.

So if you can spare a few dollars, pounds, euros or any other currency, please donate and think of me over Show Weekend as I face my own more short-lived C2C challenge. My aim is $4 per Km, so a nice round $1,000.

Thank you

MIKE

Mike Law's involvement (page creator)

Over the 18 months, my dear brother-in-law in the UK has been struck down by this debilitating disease. I want to make a small difference to others facing similar uncertain futures.

UPDATE 17 Nov - C2C(@A) - Christchurch to Coast at Akaroa 17 November 2019

The cancellation of the C2C resulted in some rapid rethinking of how to recognise the kind donations already received.

On Friday, I did a 100 km ride to Southbridge and back. Going was fun, but a strong northeasterly had picked for the return leg. 50 km into a headwind concentrates the mind. It would have been easy to stop and call for a lift home, but that wasn't the point. Those facing a future with diseases such as MD can't 'phone for a lift home'. They have to battle the headwind.

A suggestion from a friend quickly grew into more varied challenge for yesterday. I'd travel from Christchurch to Akaroa (on the Banks Peninsula) under my own steam; breaking the journey into four legs. 19 km on the mountain bike to Gebbies Pass was followed by an 18 km hike over Mt Herbert (919 m) to Port Levy Saddle. By this time, a howling northerly wind had picked up, but at least it was warm.

My amazing support team had picked up my bike at Gebbies Pass, so it was back on the bike at Port Levy Saddle for a 21 km off-road ride to French Farm on the west side of Akaroa Harbour. That just left a 7 km paddle (blown along by the strong tailwind) in a kayak over a very choppy harbour to Akaroa. I was accompanied on the last two legs by a great friend, who spurred me on. Thanks team!

It was a great day out and quite a challenge; 65 km travelled, 2,260 m of vertical ascent, and 4,200 calories burned.

Once again thank you to all of you that have donated to MDANZ. It really is appreciated and you spurred me on to think of new challenges for the weekend.

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