Running to Fundraise for Skin Cancer

Hey everyone! I’m currently training to run the Taniwha Marathon next month and have chosen to fundraise for Melanoma New Zealand.

Skin cancer is incredibly common in New Zealand, and it’s also one of the most preventable with awareness and early detection. It’s affected family, friends, and more recently, me. I honestly didn’t realise just how common it was until I went to get a dark spot on my neck checked one random Wednesday afternoon. Finding out it was melanoma definitely came as a shock, and it made me think about how long it could’ve gone unnoticed if I hadn’t got it checked when I did. On a lighter note, I actually got the news while I was in a 7/11 in Japan, making one of those self-serve smoothie things, so I was stoked with my breakfast. The whole experience showed me how suddenly cancer can enter your life, and how important awareness, early detection, and support are, especially for whānau across Aotearoa.

I originally started training for this marathon as a personal challenge, but running for this cause feels a bit more meaningful. I am also a little worried about this marathon, so I will need all the motivation I can get.

If you would like to donate, I’d be incredibly grateful. All funds raised go directly to Melanoma New Zealand (a non–government funded organisation), helping support education, awareness, research, and one-on-one support for those affected by melanoma.

May this be your reminder to go get checked, cheers.

Thank you so much for your support 💛