The plight of War continues, as the lasting effects of displacement and loss for the innocent survivors. We must not forget nor ignore 🇺🇦💛💙
I barely know where to begin to express the overwhelming gratitude for all the donations and kind words of support for taking on my challenge to cycle 110 kilometres or more everyday for 7 days. As the week progressed I felt it was little compared to what was faced by families, the elderly, the women and children all travelling large distances to flee from their homes in Ukraine to safety.
But upon finishing my last ride on Sunday 8 May 2022 with everything I had left after a week long effort, I knew what I set out to achieve had come to an end.
It was also that once through the gates of my home on that final day, having now cycled just over 800 kilometres in 7 consecutive days, I was overcome in that moment and upon getting off my bike I wept. This was a moment I had not expected, crying for the realisation I had just finished the last ride and the last opportunity to give what I had in me for this purpose.
This is a war raging in another part of the world and while others believe and say it is not our war, I believe as people we cannot and should not ignore the underlying fact innocent people are suffering. Some say I am choosing sides, some speak of past injustices. I am not choosing sides, nor am I ignoring injustices of the past.
I am simply looking into what is in front of me and I simply want to help. I wish I could do more....
Thank you to all those who have donated, Thank you to Justin in Wellington for taking on his challenge and supporting this cause and a huge thanks to a cycling buddy Eli, for joining me in the first and last ride of the week and the all the tips he gave me to get through the week. Eli, I may now have to make hills my friends :)
You are just awesome Christine! So proud of your efforts for such a worthy cuase. Ka rawe e hoa x
An incredible and amazing challenge was completed by Justin for the families and children of Ukraine. The support, well wishes and donations that came through long before Justin woke in the early hours of the morning 07 May 2022 and continued throughout the day were incredible. I know I speak for many in saying a huge thank you to Justin
Justin's effort gives an immeasurable amount of heartfelt hope and kindness, and a lasting legacy in the lives of his many friends and family.
This below is from Justin which he wrote shortly after finishing the ride on his indoor trainer.
"I am absolutely overrun and overwhelmed with emotion. My legs are shattered. Can't sit cos my butt is so sore... can't stand cos my calves and feet ache... can't stretch cos I can't hold onto anything... can't lie down cos I know I won't be able to get up
Thank you so much for all the messages of support. Thank you to Bruce, our ultra endurance legend, for advice on pacing myself and getting through the dark bits. Thank you to Anthony for riding beside me in my garage for the whole third 2 hour block. Thank you to Doug for Zwifting the final 35km with me and pacing me to the end. Thank you for to Panda for bringing us donuts (I so can't look at them right now 🍩). Thank you for supporting this cause and being so generous with your donations. It's so great that we can do something to help people rebuild their lives and families on the other side of the world 💙💛
So many messages of achievement and success. Yes, it was certainly a long session on the wind trainer, but I only provided the legs... everyone else provided the heart with their encouragement and generosity. A full Harbour City Racing team effort!!"
Results from Day 2 of my challenge and I’m now 220 kilometres in. With 550 kilometres of distance left to cover!
I’m overwhelmed with the donations this far and the of all everyone wanting to show their support for this cause 🇺🇦🙏
First ride of the week and 110 kilometres in! Having technical difficulties with the link to Strava activity tracking but hopefully get this resolved soon. Here’s a pic of the route I rode today with Eli
First 110 kilometres to ride today and with my amazing cycling buddy Eli Kane Brazeal joining me.
I am so humbly grateful for everyone showing their support with donations and good wishes.
I will be thinking of you all in support of the Families of Ukraine who are going through the challenge to merely survive a cruel war.
you can see the rides here on the page I will upload as I go.
Just a reminder to those who may be interested, to keep checking out the 'Rebuilding Families of Ukraine' facebook page. I will keep updates going throughout the coming weeks and of the challenges people are doing in supporting this cause!
TO CYCLE 770 KILOMETRES IN 7 DAYS.
770 kilometres being the average distance people are travelling to flee Ukraine to some 7 neighbouring countries.
The UN says that as of 6 April, more than 4.3 million people have left Ukraine:
Poland has taken in 2,514,504 refugees
Romania 662,751
Hungary 404,021
Moldova 401,704
Slovakia 304,983
Belarus 18,060
Bulgaria 25,000
Starting 2nd May 2022 to cycle 110 kilometres each day until my last 110 kilometres on Sunday 8 May 2022. Hope to see some other keen cyclists out there in blue and yellow 😊 🚴
Thank you to everyone for so kindy and generously donating so far! Please also check out the Facebook page link for updates on the charity event. I am close to putting up my challenge in support of this fundraiser, super excited and nervous at the same time. But I know this is all for a much needed cause!
Great to be getting these flyers out into the community to raise awareness of this much needed cause. Made super easy to just donate or check out the event to participate! Go to our Facebook page for more info !
