Team Wellington, 2015 New York Marathon

On 1 November 2015, Achilles New Zealand will have a team of athletes lining up on the start line of the New York Marathon ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime. This achievement will be life changing for them, and for those that they inspire!

The Wellington contingent of the Achilles 2015 Team to New York consists of Kelly Smith who will run with guide Naomie Lye, and Richard Warwick running with guide Lance Walker.

Each member of the team needs to raise sufficient funds to cover their costs, such as flights, accommodation, race entries. Please give a little, or a lot, to help get us there.

RICHARD WARWICK, with Achilles Guide Lance Walker

At the age of 16, Richard suffered a brain bleed that paralysed the left side of his body. A young sportsman and hunter with ambitions to join the army suddenly had a shaved head with "a big horseshoe-shaped scar", and was told he would never run again. Now 50, still has weakness down one side, walks with a limp and has no movement in his left hand. Since joining Achilles a year ago, Richard has set his sights set on the New York Marathon.

Richard will be taking on the challenge with the support of Cigna Chief Executive Lance Walker. "I'm looking forward to doing it with Richard this year. It's going to be a different sense of achievement because it's not about me getting my best time. It's about Richard, encouraging him and getting him to the finishing line."

KELLY SMITH, with Achilles Guide Naomie Lye

In June 2013 Kelly developed CIDP, a medically induced autoimmune disease where my immune system started attacking her nervous system leaving her with some upper body disabilities and lots of nerve damage. Still under medical supervision and strong medication, Kelly is determined to do what she loves best – running!

Kelly will be running the New York marathon with Naomie Lye, Cigna Marketing Executive and the Wellington Coordinator of Achilles New Zealand. “Running a marathon has never seemed more inviting. Knowing I’ll be supporting Kelly to complete a life goal is enough incentive for me to take on this awesome event.”