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Cape Reinga to Bluff - 3000km in 30 days to support the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation

$10,000 donated

Given by 77 generous donors in around 5 months

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Cape Reinga to Bluff by bicycle - 3000km in 30 days to support the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation

Wellington

Hi. I'm Paul. I'm riding Tour Aotearoa, starting on 21 February 2016, to support the work of the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation.

Tour Aotearoa is a "dirt brevet" - 3000kms from Cape Reinga at one end of New Zealand to Bluff at the other. It covers some of New Zealand's most amazing scenery, and some of its toughest hills. The Tour includes sealed and gravel roads, cycle trails, single track, and 90kms of beach riding for something a little different. And it's self-supported - no sag wagon or support. Just me and my bicycle (and tent, and sleeping bag, and food, etc..), along with 299 other riders.

I love cycling. Friends, family, colleagues, can all tell you it's one of my passions. But I've never ridden anything quite like this; it will test me. I'd like you to help me keep on track, by supporting the team at the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation.

HELP is dedicated to reducing the impact of sexual violence in our community. Its small team works at the frontline of a major problem in New Zealand, assisting individuals, families and other support networks through:

- Counselling

- 24/7 crisis intervention

- Prevention, education and professional development programmes

- Cooperation with other service providers, both government and non government.

I've seen the devastating impact sexual and family violence has on individuals, whanau/families, churches and communities. I've also seen the exceptional work HELP does assisting survivors to pick up the pieces, and drawing on that experience to work on prevention.

Each year, HELP touches the lives of large numbers of Wellingtonians through its programmes. HELP has done this since 1985. This is tough work - it takes a rare mix of sensitivity, emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience. That work is often unsung, and in need of support.

That's why I'm dedicating my ride to the team at HELP. And, when the weather is foul, my middle-aged legs tired, and the hill in front of me just too big, knowing each kilometre I ride is giving something back will help.

- You can find out more about the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation at www.wellingtonhelp.org.nz

- You can follow my progress, and engage with me as I prepare and ride, at my Twitter and Facebook pages.

- You can find out more about Tour Aotearoa at touraotearoa.nz

With many thanks for your support

Paul

Paul Ash's involvement (page creator)

I'm involved because I admire the work of the HELP Foundation and the people I know there.

HELP is at the leading edge of a major challenge, reducing the impact of sexual violence in our community, by providing counselling, crisis support and education. An amazing team that deserves your support.

Other page links

A last update... 29 May 2016

Kia ora tatou!

It's been a couple of months since I finished riding Tour Aotearoa. As you can see, the cycling gear has gradually made its way through the wash - bags, clothes, tent, rainwear. Today I replaced the last of the worn out parts on my bike, and it's ready for a ride during the coming long weekend. I'm also well and truly back to work, with my sleeves rolled up.

So too are the fine folks at the HELP Foundation. I caught up with them last month, with my whanau and some friends, to hear about their plans. Working together - you, me and HELP - we raised $10,000. HELP is using that to upgrade its child counselling facility at the Porirua Office. The Office is in a residential area and has a sleep-out attached. The funds will turn that into a really child-friendly space for counselling - the plans looked just amazing. It was so exciting to see the work we did together delivering a tangible outcome. And it was great to share some of the ride's more memorable experiences with friends at HELP. We shared a great evening (and an outstanding waiata that was just right).

Like others who did the ride, I'm still thinking hard about my time on the road. It's left an indelible imprint. So I'm also thinking about what comes next. That will include cycling. Please stay in touch via my Facebook page for updates as I work that through.

For now though, thanks so much for your support.

Until the next adventure - ka kite ano!

Paul

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