'Run like the Winded'

Since the age of three when my Papas' life was taken, Cancer has continually infiltrated it's way into my life in one way or another, each as cruel as the last. From witnessing the disastrous effect of brain tumours riddling its way through relatives, the turmoil of watching families being ripped apart as mates lose their much loved mum, and friends turned family undergoing numerous tests, transfusions, operations and countless worrying hours, seeing a young father be taken too soon, to simply dropping coins into a street collectors shaken bucket. Cancer has always made it's presence well known.

But I'm sure this story isn't unfamiliar to many of you. Whether you have supported a friend through treatment, shaved your head in support, purchased Canteen bandannas, Pink Ribbon pins or daffodils to wear with pride, stuttered and wept through a eulogy as you say your final good-byes, or been on the receiving end of diagnosis speech. We have all been struck by 'The big C' in one way or another. It truly is a global disease that reaches every corner of our world.

This year, with stubborn determination and the support of my mates by my side, I am entering the Wellington leg of the 2019 Relay for life event. A 24 hour walk-a-thon at Westpac Stadium on April 6th-7th, where we aim to raise funds to better support those whose lives are impacted by this wretched horror and provide better support for future research.

Please help support the fundraising goals and efforts of our team "Run Like the Winded" by donating to us, as we haul ourselves around the event track for 24 hours, in support of not just our friends and family, but yours too.

In Memory of;

Jim and Vera Deer - Doting, proud grandparents

Brendan Jepson - Valued mate and missed father

Robyn and Dawn Needham - Inspirational mothers

Celebrating our survivors;

Miranda Patrick - Mate, confidant, fellow mischief maker and my Wifey

Jan Fairbrother - A courageous, resilient and loving lady

Warren Beatus - 'Bloody Wazza' - a character like no other.

With Thanks to:

Cancer Society New Zealand

All the medical professionals and various support networks, organisations and people who play a part in ensuring the comfort, dignity and care of our loved ones is always upheld.