Will you support my fundraising?
I'm taking on Challenge New Zealand in February 2027!
Why am I supporting this challenge?
As many of you know, I lost my dad to cancer just over a year ago. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. He was an incredible dad, my biggest supporter, and one of the kindest people I have ever known. Through every challenge life threw at us, he was there with unconditional love, quiet strength and gentle wisdom.
Cancer was a huge part of both our lives. Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Thanks to incredible research, treatment and the unwavering support of my family—especially Mum and Dad—I survived. Those same advances also gave us: another 14 precious years together after his diagnosis.
Fourteen more years of hugs, laughter, conversations and memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
This year, I’m riding the New Zealand Smiddy Challenge—722 km and 8,630 metres of climbing—to honour my dad, to celebrate the gift of those extra years.
This ride is especially close to my heart because it begins in Auckland, where I spent my early childhood, and finishes in Rotorua. I can still remember our family camping holidays by Lake Rotorua—lying awake waiting to hear the zip of the annex open as the Easter Bunny left a chocolate rabbit, swimming in the lake, buying bags of 10-cent lollies, and sailing with Dad. At the time they were just ordinary family moments. Today, they are priceless.
If you are able to support my challenge, no matter how big or small, I would be so incredibly grateful. Your donation will help fund the research that gives people more birthdays, more hugs, more laughter and more time with the people they love.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this journey.
And if there’s one thing Dad taught me, it’s this: don’t wait. Tell the people you love that you love them. Hug them a little longer. Make the memories. Life can change in an instant, and it’s the moments we share that become our greatest treasures. ❤️
