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  • Only 2 days left for this Alzheimers fundraiser

      29 December 2022

    I completed just under 26km today and now have around 35km to go before I making it into Kaitai, of course there’ll be no fanfare as this is a virtual visit - all of my kms are actually being done in North Canterbury.

    The funds will be going directly to Alzheimers Northland, there have been donors from all over the country, will you help me finish off this effort?

    Please?

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  • 3 days to go - How much can we raise

      28 December 2022
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    Today, 28th December 2022, a gentle 5km stroll around Orana Park took me “into” Mangamuka and leaves me 61km to get to Kaitaia.

    A tough ask in just three days, so I’m really hoping for some generous donors over these last days. AlzheimersNZ desperately needs funds to help provide for those suffering from this horrid condition

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  • Still Fundraising for AlzheimersNZ

      25 December 2022
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    I’ve added on the trek from Kawakawa to Ohaeawai, so far. I’m hoping to make it to Kaitaia before the end of the year, so I need to wear out a bit of rubber sole in a hurry - around 104kms worth.

    So I’m really hoping to pick up some more fantastic donors in this last week, please help - a $10 donation is all I’m asking of anyone

    In a time of giving, can we find it in our hearts to help out those who are unable to help themselves ?

    Thanks in advance

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  • Fundraising for AlzheimersNZ

      18 December 2022

    It’s been my pleasure to make the distance from Rangiora to Whangarei, raising funds for AlzheimersNZ along the way. Many thanks to those generous people who have donated.

    Having finished the main walk, I thought I would wander through some of Northlands other localities - so far I’ve been through Hikurangi, Whakapara, Towai and now Kawakawa if you’re of a mind to splash some cash, please donate on this page. AlzheimersNZ does incredible work on very limited funds, let’s help them out if we can

    Thanks in advance

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  • Update

      14 December 2022

    I completed my Rangiora to Whangarei walk (around North Canterbury) on 19th November, I’ve only added 42km since then BUT I am still keeping this fundraiser open until the end of the year.

    The people at AlzheimersNZ, Northland branch have been very appreciative of those among you who have already donated and many thanks to those who have done so, since I completed the distance.

    31/12/2022 will be the last day I keep this page open, so if you’re of a mind to help out, please do so, soon.

    I’m so grateful for the support that’s been shown from all around the country

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  • Not a lot of time left

      11 December 2022

    For some suffering from Alzheimers that is, unfortunately, a very true statement - there isn’t a lot of time left. However, for me the meaning is clear, I will close this fundraiser on 31st December.

    It would be brilliant if we could get the funds up to $3000 in that time. I’m only asking you for $10, this money will be forwarded on by Givealittle to Alzheimers Northland one of the branches of AlzheimersNZ that has very limited resources and very great need.

    Any and all donations are gratefully received but I particularly only ask this of those who have not been able to do so yet.

    A heartfelt and huge THANK YOU to those who have donated and also to those who are about to do so.

    Please share this with your friends and family

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  • Is this the end?

      27 November 2022

    A week on from completing the 1210km distance & I’m still exhausted. My feet are ultra sore, hips feel overworked and I was trying to make up my mind if I would continue or not.

    Having open heart surgery at the end of July slowed me somewhat & also had a significant effect on my mindset.

    However, having achieved the distance target while still having all December left on the fundraising page, I’d very much like to see if I can get the donations up to my adjusted target of $3000 (currently sitting at $2056)

    I’m continuing to ask for just $10.00 per donation, but if you want to give more, who am I to stop you?

    To the 30+ people who have previously donated, thank you so very, very much BUT let’s ask others to donate now!

    Please share the post and see if we can gain this final $1000 urgently.

    Alzheimers is a hidden killer, why?

    Because it is stigmatised, we try real hard NOT to talk about it and we hide it behind any other condition we can.

    Your every dollar helps to decrease its stigma

    Thanks

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  • Final 5 completed

      19 November 2022
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    All sorts of plans went awry today, initially I was going to turn up unannounced at Whangarei parkrun to do the last 5km - health stopped that from happening, then, having met up with Andy Mears 5 weeks ago, he decided to come here and do the last 5km with me at Pegasus. Just getting to ChCh yesterday, was problem after problem for him, but eventually he made it👍🏻

    At 7:45 this morning, due entirely to extreme weather conditions, the Event Directors at Pegasus had to call it off (an extremely rare decision, Pegasus parkrun had only been cancelled by the ED once before in its 6 year history), so Andy & I warmed up in the cafe along with a few others. Andy is on my left & wearing the purple Alzheimers support shirt.

    I completed the distance later in the day, when both wind & rain had eased a bit

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  • Hump day

      16 November 2022

    It’s Wednesday and I have just a touch more than 10km to complete my walk toWhangarei, the last 5 of which will be done on Saturday with my good friend Andy Mears.

    Somebody donated $130 this week, in order for the total to reach $2000 - I’m reasonably certain I know who that somebody is (Thank You again)

    Please dig deep this week to find that tenner that could go to someone else, the page to go to can be found at https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/remember-1

    Your help is greatly appreciated

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  • Start to finish

      13 November 2022
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    Today sees the beginning of the last week of my Rangiora to Whangarei walk to raise funds for AlzheimersNZ.

    With almost 1192km completed, there’s just a shade over 18km to go & the last 5km will be completed with Andy Mears from Whangarei.

    My requests for donations continues throughout the week, so please - give if you can & share my post to all of your friends.

    Let’s help our own Elders live a better rest of their life, we CAN help them & every $ makes a difference

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  • Inside the last 50

      6 November 2022

    I’ll complete the walk on 19th November, with my good friend Andy who gave me the impetus to do this fundraiser. So I won’t be doing any long walks until after that date.

    AlzheimersNZ welcomes & puts to great use, every single dollar that is donated & I thank every single person that freely gives during these harder times

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  • Less than 90km to go

      24 October 2022

    1125km ago I began this very part-time trek to Whangarei, hoping to raise funds for Alzheimers sufferers. I’m still on that journey albeit I am on the last stretch of road.

    I’m also still hoping for more donations to help - I’ve had some absolutely brilliant support from some fantastic donors - at the beginning all I was asking was $10, it’s still all I’m asking. The place to make that donation is from this page , the benefactors are Alzheimers NZ

    https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/remember-1

    Thank you

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  • 103kms to the finish

      16 October 2022

    After various setbacks, I have just over 100km before I complete my journey. A two week lay off in May to clear up a post-surgery infection and 6 weeks of downtime post-surgery for CABG4, cardiac repair have simply delayed my finish.

    The beneficiary/beneficiaries of my fundraising are Alzheimers NZ and in particular their Northland branch, I’m still hoping to achieve the donations goal of $6500.00 but I need your help to do it.

    If just 0.1% of our Country population were to give $10.00 each, we would make that target, can you be part of that group? Please!

    If you have previously donated, please just share the post, with family, friends & colleagues.

    If you haven’t yet donated, please do so - then share the post.

    Thank you everyone, this has been both a physical and mental journey for me, one in which I have learned a lot more about Alzheimers/dementia and which, at the back end, I am over the moon to find out that in the USA they have found/created a formula with which to develop medication that can have a beneficial effect for sufferers. It’s likely to be years before we see this in its fully refined form - in the meantime let’s help those we can.

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  • Never, Ever give up

      3 October 2022

    I had been feeling a bit despondent, very downhearted, I had spent a long time trekking along, clocking up kilometres while the donations had stalled. I wondered why this had happened, any number of times while the feet and calves were aching - I thought of “pulling the pin” and then last night an extremely generous donation came in & totally restored me 💜

    It’s time I highlighted the fantastic people that have financially supported this fundraiser - Massive thanks to Martin O, Steve22, Linda W, Mike, Brett B, Sarah M, JoAnne, Jackie H, Rosie W, Joseph H, Gary P, Kevin S, Claire H, Jan R, Liz, Wayne L, Tracey H, Witt family, Jen M, Scott A, Maxine B, Jason W, Daniel, Chris vdL, Brian T, Richard M, Drinnan family and the exceptional fellow that started me on this one, Andy M

    You all ROCK.

    Thanks very much, every cent makes a difference

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  • Progress

      1 October 2022

    I’m still hoping that people who have no idea who I am, but understand and feel the need to support Alzheimers NZ by donating on this page, will, in fact donate soon.

    On the walking front, I’m now at 1058km, so about 150km away from my destination

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  • Mad as a Hatter

      22 September 2022
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    It’s been a while since I posted. Got a bit distracted by my return to work after heart surgery - all of which resulted in a huge pile of demotivation.

    I’ve managed to begin to find some mojo again & have now snuck over the 1000km & fully expect to “reach” Barry Curtis parkrun by the end of the weekend 🙂

    The other noticeable drop off, has been on the donations side, I need to stress that Alzheimers NZ need the help of the people of NZ, please help by supporting this fundraiser.

    I’m not too far off completing the distance, but am far away from the figure I’d hoped would come in

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  • Time

      5 September 2022

    A quick note to let people know that I’ve pushed the expected finish date out a few months

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  • Did I see The Hamburglar?

      5 September 2022
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    I was going to do a video update, but maybe another time 🙃

    Last week I added 40km to my total, so I’ve now completed 957.50km of this challenge, 260 to go.

    As an avid parkrunner I’ve been “dropping by” the various Events on my way from Rangiora to Whangarei & this week my “visits” took me to a whopping 5 seperate ones. Hullo to Hamilton Lake, Tauranga, Uni of Waikato, Gisborne and Whakatane Gardens parkruns.

    While it is fantastic seeing donations come in from other parkrunners, it’s open for anyone, NZ-wide, to donate however much they would like to.

    Over the past 6 years I have fundraiser for a number of causes, usually because I have some association with them - Heart Foundation (I have a bit of a history with heart disease), Blind & Low Vision NZ(failing eyesight), Foundation for the Deaf(yup, I’m hard of hearing too), Cancer Society(like many Kiwis, I’ve lost family to various cancers) & now Alzheimers NZ(one member of my family has been affected)

    All of these great charities are supported by Govt funding, but there’s never enough to cover all that needs to be done, so to keep these Foundations doing their great work, we turn to fundraising.

    My fundraiser is one way for Kiwis to help other Kiwis.

    It may be $5 or $50 or anything in between, or more!

    It all counts and it definitely all helps.

    Your help, individually and collectively, is greatly, hugely appreciated by all who receive it.

    Meantime - I’ll keep walking.

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  • What can we do?

      28 August 2022
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    🎶And I have walked 900k’s

    And I will walk 300 more

    Just to be the man who helped to wipe

    Alzheimers off the floor

    Da Da Da Da🎶

    It’s true - I’m 3/4 of the way thru this journey, but I still need help from so many.

    I’m a parkrunner and I’m really hoping other parkrunners can and will donate to this cause.

    This week I have “walked by” Cambridge parkrun, in the coming week I expect to do the same with Hamilton Lake, Tauranga, University of Waikato and Gisborne parkruns. It would be fantastic to get some donations from these Event areas.

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  • Kiwis helping Kiwis

      21 August 2022

    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

    The total cost of dementia to NZ is now around $2.5b and will reach around $5.9b by 2050

    Residential care currently accounts for around half of the economic cost of dementia borne by government ($1.21b).

    Dementia numbers are increasing at a faster rate among Māori, Pasifika and Asian populations than those of European New Zealanders.

    Care partners provide over 1 million hours of unpaid care every week.

    Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia.

    $5, $10 or more if you can spare it, will make a difference - Please Donate

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  • What is it like ?

      14 August 2022
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    He is 85 and insists on taking his wife’s hand everywhere they go. When he was asked why his wife kept looking away, he responded, “because she has Alzheimer's”. Then he was asked, will your wife worry if you let her go? He then replied, ′′she doesn't remember anything, she doesn't know who I am anymore, she hasn't recognized me for years.” Surprised, I said, “and you have continued to guide her every single day even though she doesn't recognize you?"

    The elderly man smiled and looked into my eyes and said, ′′she may not know who I am, but I know who she is, and she is the love of my life....

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  • I've walked 700km so far

      10 July 2022
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    In fact I've walked 721km to date, which in parkrun terms puts me just 7km away from "arriving" at Anderson parkrun in Napier and 40km shy of East End parkrun, New Plymouth - both of which I intend to walk by, this coming week.

    With a final target distance of 1210km, I currently have just under 500 to go!!

    People call me crazy for doing this sort of thing, I can't disagree - I certainly take on some madcap challenges, but for me, it's about doing something to help people who are unable to do it themselves.

    So I'll do the walking, you do the supporting 👍all I ask is, if you can afford it, please donate just $10.00 on this fundraising page, your generosity will assist Alzheimers NZ to support individuals, families, caregivers, and researchers.

    Please help us to help them

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  • Will you donate?

      12 June 2022

    At present there are around 70,000 individuals in NZ suffering the direct effects of Alzheimers/Dementia, that's more than the population of Napier!

    When you factor in the families, the caregivers and the medical personnel also directly affected by the needs of these individuals - you could probably populate a city the size of Christchurch !

    And this is why, Alzheimers NZ is in great need of help from everyday Kiwis like you & me.

    I've now reached & passed Whanganui on my trek through the northern parkruns of NZ and am now on my way to Russell Park in Waipukurau

    Unfortunately, it looks very much like the donations have stalled - I've been hoping for $10.00 donations from just 650 people & have been hoping to garner support from amongst parkrunners & there sure has been some, but anyone that wants to support this cause is invited to donate at https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/remember-1

    Please help

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  • Walking for Alzheimers

      6 June 2022
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    Since my last update, a fortnight ago, I've been able to continue moving - slowly, I've had a PICC line in my arm due to a post-surgery infection and needed some intense & continuous penicillin to deal with it, I'm now on a 2 month course of pills so far less invasive.

    During that time I have "passed" both Otaki River parkrun and East End parkrun Palmerston North and am now part of the way to Whanganui Riverbank parkrun - as this is all virtual (all of my walking is in North Canterbury), I fully intend to actually visit each of these North Island parkrun Events one day - but that is for the future.

    Right now, the focus is on raising funds to assist people struggling with the devastating effects of Alzheimers Disease and Dementia - I've taken it upon myself to walk the 1200+km distance from my Rangiora home to finish at Whangarei parkrun, we may, or may not not know each other but I have a favour to ask of you - if you have $10 spare this week could you donate that to this seriously underfunded cause ?

    Helping today can be of benefit to someone you know, in their future.

    The donation page can be found at

    https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/remember-1

    Thank you everyone, it's greatly appreciated

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  • The journey continues

      22 May 2022
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    It's been a fortnight since my last update and quite a bit has gone on, for me. I've had some medical and physical issues going on that have definitely slowed my progress thru the North Island, however today (Sunday) I "sneaked" past Kapiti Coast parkrun and am now making my way towards Otaki and then a big trek to Palmerston North parkrun.

    I've had some amazing support from people, including a generous donation from Gary - but I've still got a way to go to reach my hoped for target.

    I've got two things to ask of you - please, if you have $10.00 (or more if you wish) to help out those dealing with Alzheimers in their lives, please donate on this givealittle page, the second thing I'm asking, is for you to share this post to your friends - I need all the help I can get to reach this target.

    please Remember Us Because - this disease causes major neurological issues.

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  • The North Island is not as straightforward as the South

      8 May 2022
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    It's been a strange week for me, I started a new job on Monday and largely due to the increasingly earlier darkness (& accompanying cold) I've not been able to cover too many kms.

    I did manage to "pass by" both Trentham and Greytown Woodside parkruns though and now have a little less than 48km to reach Kapiti parkrun.

    Pegasus celebrated a Star Wars themed event this week, where I costumed up, along with several others.

    My list of donors has now reached 20 and I wish to publicly thank those that I haven't done so with, yet - So a huge THANK YOU to Maxine, Scott + Anna, Jen, The Witt family, Tracey, Wayne, Liz, Jan, Claire and Kevin - some of you have shared stories with me, privately, and it is obvious to me that Alzheimer's is becoming much more widespread and in need of more funds both for research and to assist people.

    All I am asking, is, if you have a spare $10, could you, would you consider donating it to Alzheimers Northland on this page?

    I have 50 days remaining on this fundraiser, to try and raise $6500 and I need your help, I have quite a way to go with the fundraising yet and as well as gaining more donors, from everywhere I also ask that you share my post with your friends, encouraging them to support this cause, as you have.

    Thanks very much, I'll catch up with you all next week.

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  • Made it to the North Island

      1 May 2022
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    On Tuesday & Wednesday of the week just past, I "walked into" Picton Airport, jumped on a virtual plane and 30 minutes later (3km) "landed" at Wellington Airport. I then made my way past and parallel to both Lower Hutt parkrun and Porirua parkrun, managing to combine my "visit" to these Events with my own memorable parkrun at Pegasus.

    Why memorable? I completed a reasonably unique treble on Saturday at Pegasus, I had already achieved 250 {not}parkrun's some time ago, I had also completed 250 parkruns a few weeks ago and on Saturday I completed the treble by putting in my 250th Volunteer day at parkrun.

    So this coming week, I expect to "visit" both Trentham parkrun and Greytown-Woodside parkrun.

    All of that aside, I am still in great need of your help - both in gaining donations and in sharing my posts far and wide.

    My goal is to raise $6,500.00 for Alzheimer's Northland, as an average that is 650 donors giving just $10.00 each - if you wish to give more, fantastic & Thank You.

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  • Where am I now ?

      25 April 2022
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    Having made the distance, I was able to drop in on Blenheim parkrun on Saturday - via a pre-recorded video played by co-ED Carey Dickason, many thanks Carey (I'm now on my way to Picton Airport). I am hoping to be able to do the same in the North Island as and when I make it to or within range of each Event

    Why am I doing this?

    I'm walking 1225km to try & raise $6500 for Alzheimers Northland - Rangiora to Whangarei and I'm hoping for support from parkrunners everywhere in the Country. Alzheimers Northland are in serious need right now, please help them by donating on this givealittle page - 650 people at $10 each & we are there !

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  • Distance travelled so far

      17 April 2022
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    First and foremost a really big THANKS to the people that have donated so far - Joseph, the Drinnan Family, Rosie, Richard, Andy, Brian, Chris, Daniel and Jason - your donations are greatly appreciated.

    To date I have made it to Ward and am, virtually, 45km from Blenheim, I'm in this for the longhaul and now have 982km to cover.

    As and when I "arrive" at a parkrun venue, I hope to "drop in" by WhatsApp call and hopefully address the parkrunners, briefly.

    In the meantime, I need some help - I am still looking for donors, all I ask is if you can spare $10.00 please donate it on this givealittle page.

    I am looking for a total of 650 donors of $10, around the country, currently I have the equivalent of just over 50 of those donors, can you be another of them?

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  • How far have I gone

      10 April 2022
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    At the moment I've "reached Kaikoura and am on my way to Clarence", I have approximately 95km to "get to" Blenheim.

    It's my intention to virtually drop in on parkrun Events as and when I make the distance to them, although in all likelihood I will actually be in North Canterbury.

    I'm hoping to raise a sum of money to help out the people who rely on Alzheimers Northland.

    Why AlzheimersNZ? 2 reasons, it seems to be an underfunded organisation and sadly, my wifes Mum has been taken by this insidiously devastating disease.

    Why Northland ? 2 reasons, the area is often subjected to extreme financial distress and, a friend and well known parkrunner recently put the call out.

    I'm hoping to gain 650 sponsors, as quickly as possible to get me to Whangarei so I can deliver the results of the fundraising to them.

    All I am hoping for is that each of the 650 can donate $10.00 (it qualifies for Tax Rebate) and between us we will have raised $6500.00 for an extremely worthy charitable organisation.

    Are you one of my 650 ?

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