Grind to 2500m for Harbour Hospice & Missing Wingman Trust

Taking up running was one thing that really helped me navigate the loss of my father after his five year battle with cancer. This year I blindly signed up to a hectic and infamous ultra marathon, the Squamish 50km, and I thought "hey, why not" use this run as a way to raise money for other things that helped me through those harder days.

As a nod to the race's 2,500 metres of elevation gain, I have a goal to raise $2,500 for two charities that made a huge difference during this time: The Missing Wingman Trust and Harbour Hospice.

The Missing Wingman Trust is a charity that was founded by the Royal New Zealand Air Force to support Air Force families when someone is killed, wounded, injured or becomes ill. The MWT were instrumental in helping us Fooksie's live somewhat of a normal life after Dad's death and transition to becoming a single-income household, by providing financial support for Patrick and I's high school and University endeavours.

North Shore Harbour Hospice was the place I learnt Dad had been relocated to when I came home from school one day. Immediately thinking the worst of what a palliative care facility could be, I was left with such positive surprise when I met the most empathetic, kind and humorous carers who never skipped a beat to set up a bed for family, shift Dad to a room with a view of Lake Pupuke or fetch him a sweet treat. After his death, their counselling service was instrumental in helping me through the grief.

Any and all support is appreciated!