I lost my wife Kath to lung disease. I'm riding in her memory, and her friend Jan's, to give hope to others still fighting to breathe.
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
In August, I lost my wife Kath to the lung disease she fought so hard to beat.
Kath had a double lung transplant in October 2024. Seven weeks later she was home, and the first thing she did was get back on her bike. Then, in November 2025, she rode the Taupō Cycle Challenge 30km mountain bike ride (known as the Huka Teaser) with a stranger's lungs in her chest, as a tribute to her friend Jan. Jan also had a double lung transplant (just weeks after Kath), but sadly lost her fight in May 2025. Kath was so proud of the awareness and funds she raised from her ride.
Kath had hoped to keep riding for the cause, but she never got the chance. Kath passed away in August 2026.
So I'm going to repeat what Kath did in November last year. I'm going to ride for two wonderful, brave, determined women - Kath and Jan - who left behind two daughters, husbands, family and so many friends.
Please donate if you can. Every donation will go towards the work the Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ does to raise awareness and fight for better lung health in New Zealand. If you can't donate, sharing this page means just as much.
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