March 19th marked the 11th Anniversary of the Race4Life Track Day. The weather gods remained faithful to the cause, as over 400 people descended on Hampton Downs Raceway. This year we had 70 palliative care patients and their loved ones, join us for this special day full of high octane rides.
The day lived up to its reputation in every way. Patients arrived at 10am and from the moment they stepped into the pavilion, their every need was catered for. A morning tea of hot cross buns and scones was served, before volunteers, drivers and all, assembled in the pavilion for a formal welcome and briefing.
Again this year, our special guests and their families were given a wonderful selection of rides to choose from. Cars, be it racing, luxury or classic were all lined up awaiting passengers. The option of a ride on a motorbike, in a big rig truck or in a helicopter became the biggest decisions guests had to make.
In the words of Stephanie:
“Just wanted to say thank you so much for the beautiful day today at Hampton Downs raceway. My son had a truly sensational day and we made some absolutely beautiful memories”
An all day BBQ provided by Gough Gough and Hamer fed over 300 volunteers and supporters throughout the day. Whereas the patients on the other hand had a specially catered for sit down meal, delivered to them by students from Kristen School Albany.
The magic of the day is in the attitude that people bring to it. This occasion has been known over the years as ” the day of a million smiles”. An apt description. Supporters whether attending for the 11th consecutive year or for the first time, maintained a spirit of giving throughout the day. This does in fact create a very special atmosphere. Everyone returns home at the end of the day feeling as though they have received something to be treasured.
In the words of Stephanie: “Just wanted to say thank you so much for the beautiful day today at Hampton Downs raceway. My son had a truly sensational day and we made some absolutely beautiful memories”
A huge THANK YOU to all our loyal sponsors who continue to support this stunning day. Plus, Ray Williams, Greg Murphy and the fabulous Mad Mike, our motor sport heroes, add so much spice to the day, enriching everyone’s experience and helping the smiles to last a lot longer than the day itself.
A Message from the General Manager
The year has started with a hiss and a roar. Partnerships with Hugh Green Foundation and Ultimate Rally Group (URG) set the year off to a wonderful start. However it is going to be a busy one and very exciting!! To be nominated in the community awards section of the New Zealander of the year Awards, was a most welcome extra. We did appreciate and celebrate the nomination, which only highlights for us the privilege of doing the work we do.
Race4Life has many loyal supporters who continue to provide us with the wherewithall to grow and develop. The Track Day alone, had over 40 sponsors! Do enjoy the read about this stunning day. It just gets better every year.
The Trust’s partnership with URG opens up many opportunities to raise funds and awareness throughout the country. Humes Pipelines who have supported the Race4Life event for years, have committed further to the Trust, by providing opportunities to raise our profile in different regions of New Zealand during the Targa Rallies.
We do have some delightful stories in this edition of our Newsletter. Do enjoy. The work we do is truly beautiful. We reach out to communities all over New Zealand and they in turn provide opportunities for patients to fulfill their dying wishes. It doesn’t get better than that!
Mandy’s Trip to the Bay of Islands
46 year old Mandy Lee has lived with Cerebal Palsey all her life. A diagnosis of terminal Breast Cancer has not phased this brave woman. Mandy heard about the Trust and her special wish was to spend some time with her Mum and Dad in the Bay of Islands. Janet, Mandy’s Mum, has penned Mandy’s account of this most treasured trip. Janet and her husband John, accompanied Mandy along with two Caregivers, Ewa and Jing from Creative Abilities.
Ange Redfern from Ripe Deli: The picnic lunch you delivered to us was simply 5 STAR. Unbelieveable to have such a gourmet picnic to enjoy as we traveled to Northland. We will be spreading the word about your amazing business and generosity.
Darren Milner from Rod Milner Motors Auckland: Thank you so much for the gift of the mobility van for our party of five. We traveled with ease and style and reduced the original timed attempt to strap Mandy in the van securely, by almost 15 minutes towards the end of the trip. The freedom to go wherever we needed to, in our own time, was deeply appreciated by all.
Penny and Grant from the Admirals View Motel Paihia: THANK YOU! The unit was nothing less than perfect for Mandy’s needs. Mandy’s excellent caregivers, Ewa and Jig, worked brilliantly as a team making the showering experience seamless. The laughing from the bathroom made it sound, to passers by, that there was a serious party going on inside the walls of our unit. The continental breakfasts were so enjoyed and set us up for the day.
Todd and team from Alfresco Restaurant Paihia: A beautiful evening and a truly beautiful meal. Afresco’s was a stones throw from the motel so the stroll to and from the restauarant was appreciated by all.
May and Morgana from Makana Confectionary: Yum!! The tour of the factory was so informative and Mandy’s gift box of delicious chocolates was such a welcome surprise. Mandy took these home to share with her Auckland flatmates. Lunch at the adjoining Cafe followed the tour and kept us going till dinner time.
Screaming Reels: Stefan, your wife is simply amazing. This fishing experience for Mandy was the highlight of the trip. Fishing is no mean feat for Mandy. However in the time she sat in her chair holding the rod, Mandy managed to hook up two Kahawai. What a treat. To top this off Amy from the Duke of Marlborough Tavern took the fish and cooked it for the team for lunch. They even threw in chips and salad along with a few glasses of wine. How special is that!
Ryan from Fullers Great Sights: The donated ferry tickets got us to Russell on the car Ferry on a number of occasions. We could not have dreamed, about the ease by which it was executed. Thank you so much for the special assistance and treatment.
Anton from the Duke of Marlborough Hotel: What an exquisite experience. Another beautiful evening and a seat outdoors in the tropical North. This was an evening enjoyed by all and we were treated like royalty.
Annalese from Vinnie’s Fish and Chips Shop: Mandy never being one to tire of fish and chips, totally embraced the feast of the fresh fish and chips gifted by Annalese and team for the last evening meal together.
Anne and Denis from the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway: How cool was it to travel down the middle of the main road in Kawakawa in a steam train. It was another beautiful day and a perfect end to our adventure.
Jel Balasundaram and Creative Abilities: A huge thank you for the support of Creative Abilities and the donations from North Shore Housing Trust and Rotary Milford. With this support we were able to have the amazing help of Ewa and Jing. We could not have had two more cheerful and delightful caregivers.
Race4Life Trust: A Huge THANK YOU to this wonderful organisation. Mandy’s wish simply could not have come true if it weren’t for your exquisite planning and organisation.
-Janet Lee.
Thank You
Peter Martin from the Ultimate Rally Group (URG) confirmed the partnership with Race4Life, making the Trust, their chosen charity for five years. Race4Life will send a team to each of the Targa and Silverfern Rallies throughout the country. We will be raising funds and awareness in the Targa family and in communities throughout New Zealand. Humes, who have loyally supported our Track Day for nearly 10 years, have committed further and offered to pay for the expenses of our Volunteers while attending the various rallies throughout the country. David Melrose Design (DMD) have blown us away by offering us bottles of water, (we are talking thousands of bottles here) to be sold for the benefit of the Trust at the rallies.
To top things off, Hugh Green Foundation, who have supported the Trust for two years already, have committed to a three year partnership of $30,000 a year, to be used for the Wish Service.
Glenn Stone Insurance have again offered to pay for the Trust Board Indemnity Insurance. Hick Bros and Woods continue to be the stalwarts who remain so faithful to the cause. Hick Bros pays for the employment of Wish Coordinator Alex Van Tuyl and Woods provides office space and administrative support for Viv James.
We could simply not function if it were not for our fabulous volunteers who help with anything from driving patients to looking after our finances.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ONE AND ALL.
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