Another day of MAGIC!
The Race4Life Track Day at Hampton Downs was always going to be a fun day for Peter Struder, however there was a lot more in store for him than he realised. Behind the scenes his gorgeous wife Jo had been in contact with Race4Life regarding Peter’s personal wish. Peter’s desire was to meet an All Black, past or present, chew the fat over our national game and discuss our prospects for the World Cup. On two days’ notice, Josh Kronfield, a loyal Race4Life supporter, dropped his plans and headed out to Hampton Downs on Tuesday March 12th on his 2019 Harley Davidson to meet Peter. Not only was Peter blown away by his surprise meeting with Josh, the ride on his new Harley around Hampton Downs was more than he had ever dreamed of.
This is a truly typical example of the kindness, compassion and incredible generosity expressed on this magical day, by so many. 2019 brought 80 patients and their families to Hampton Downs where an absolutely awesome day awaited them. The inclusion this year of Kombi vans, a black and white police car with a cherry on top and the fire crew from Mercer, marked the X factor and provided so much fun and novelty for all concerned.
As with years gone by, patients were given the option of riding in race cars in the morning at speeds of up to 250kph. The afternoon gave them a choice of driving in a whole host of luxury cars; Lamborghinis, McLarens, Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, Lexus, Audis – you name it, it was there!! Throughout the day, rides on a selection of motorbikes, big rig trucks and a scenic trip in a helicopter, were all in the mix.
Sean O’Kane from The Kombined Experience, who brought three kombis to the event commented:
“My face is sore from smiling!”.
This very special day provides so many with an opportunity to give. It is simply astounding to witness the manifestation of this on so many levels. As a result, all concerned cannot help, but SMILE.
The Race4Life Track Day is truly a day of a million smiles!
A message from the General Manager
The Team at Race4Life has hardly had a chance to breathe this year. Times are exciting and we seem to have our fingers in many pies! The year started with a hiss and a roar. The Wish Team have been inundated with wishes and the Event Team have been busy organising not one but two, Race4Life Track Days.
Both Track Days were a wonderful success and again highlighted the enormous support we have throughout the country. The story concerning the inaugural Southland event, is well worth the read, reinforcing the reason why Southlanders have the wonderful reputation they do for embracing new ideas and events. The Hampton Downs Track Day hosted 80 patients and their families this year and a few novel rides added to the charm of this magical event.
We have a busy 2019 planned with Targa rallies in both May and October, the Long Lunch in June, A Day to Inspire in October, a special book launch, (will keep you posted), and a team in the Auckland Marathon.
The Race4Life crew are so enjoying working together in our new premises in Takapuna. Do pop in to see us if you are passing by. We are on the corner of Huron St and Lake Rd, in the Westpac building.
Enjoy your read.
Have you thought about running the Marathon for Race4Life?
Just saying…
Viv
Thank you
Race4Life would like to thank Fuji Xerox New Zealand for their amazing support in the form of a Multi Function Printer and all costs associated with serving the machine.
How LUCKY are we!
This wonderful gift is such an appreciated addition to our office resources.
Thank you Fuji Xerox NZ. You totally rock!
Track Day goes South
Humes Pipelines have shown a tremendous amount of support for the Race4Life Trust over the years. In our role as the chosen charity for Targa Rallies in NZ, part of the deal is to take the Race4Life team to the rallies, creating a presence and spoiling the drivers where and when possible. Humes facilitate our needs as a team and look after our food, travel and accommodation requirements while away. Becky Lloyd the CEO of Humes, suggested we look at taking the Race4Life Track Day to the South Island, insinuating that Humes would support us in this venture as well.
This challenge motivated our enthusiastic band of stalwarts to get to work. In no time at all we had a venue sorted, in Teretonga, Invercargill, and an incredibly motivated community of Southland. Shirley Smith from Hospice Southland, gathered interest in the medical fraternity and Rick Michels from Southland Car Club, spread the word to all keen Motorsport followers in the South. In no time at all, a date was set and a team of 10 of us, set off in late February, to Invercargill.
We were welcomed with open arms by the people of Southland. Tuesday 26th February dawned and a beautiful Southland day presented. 25 Patients from Invercargill and the surrounding districts gathered at Teretonga with their families. As with the Waikato equivalent, everything was supplied. An all-day BBQ was run by Brad White and his team from the Southland branch of Humes and the food for the BBQ and the separate catering for the patients and their families, was kindly donated by Windsor New World. A team of students from Verdon College played host to all the patients serving them a delicious lunch, prepared by our wonderful Gillian Stobo.
As with the North Island equivalent, this event was simply a brilliant display of humanity at its best. How lucky are we to witness this!!
Auckland Marathon
Join the Race4Life Team today in two easy steps:
STEP 1:
Enter the marathon
STEP 2 :
Set up your own Fundraising page
(Press JOIN THE TEAM)
Once you have set up your page, the next step is to share this on Facebook with your friends.
If you do not have a Facebook page, just email the news to your friends and invite them to sponsor you.
Once you join the team, we will be in touch with everything you need to know about this upcoming event.
Our aim is to to have a Launch Party in early June where you will meet the rest of the team, pick up a few training tips and get started on your fundraising.
If you would like to talk further about this, please do not hesitate to call Viv on 021883669
Make 2019 YOUR year to race for life!
Welcome to our new Volunteer Coordinator
Hi my name is Deborah Hollier, and I am thrilled to be associated with Race4Life, and to take on the role of the Volunteer Coordinator. I live in Meadowbank with my husband, Mike. We have 3 adult children all currently living in London/UK.
My recent background has been in education (Secondary and Tertiary/Student Services) and travel. Working in the community, with the various schools that our children attended, has kept me extremely busy over the last 20 years. Our families’ interest in karting and motorsport, has kept my fundraising, sponsorship and event management skills fine-tuned!
If asked what my real passion is, I would have to say, the love of food and cooking. However I also have interests in travel, motorsport, boating, exercise and of course FAMILY.
We need Volunteers!
EVENTS! WISHES! FUNDRAISERS!
We are always looking for Volunteers.
If you think you have the time and are passionate about our cause, we would love to hear from you.
Please call Deb on 0272586614
Cancer is put in the cupboard
45 year old Antionette Bunt has a diagnosis of terminal Small Cell Cancer of the trachea and bronchial tubes. Determined to create some special memories with her husband and two adult children, Antionette went straight to the drawing board, to create a wish that would leave an impression in the hearts of the ones she so dearly loves.
A call to the team at Race4Life – and in no time at all, a visit to the amazing Redwoods in Rotorua, which included a Redwoods Canopy Tour, was sussed!
Every detail of the family’s stay was thoughtfully considered by Michele Weston and her team from the Millennium Hotel. Meals at the hotel and the Lone Star complimented the stay, as did a visit to Rainbow Springs (including lunch), Polynesian Spa, and a high-octane experience with Off Road NZ. To top it off, an opportunity to ride on the Gondola and fast track down the hill again, in the Luge, was thrown in for good measure.
We asked Antionette if she could share how the wish experience impacted on her and her family. This brave lady’s most eloquent words follow.
“I am struggling with the words to convey my gratitude to your organisation. Race4Life has made some wonderful memories for my family to hold on to, as we navigate our challenging journey.
Knowing you are terminally ill makes every moment left precious, and sometimes it’s hard to forget that weight, as it sits on your shoulders. As you can see from our photos, we managed to put cancer in a cupboard for the weekend and ignore it.
Pure joy, lots of laughter and many happy moments are what we’ll remember. We were also touched by the kindness shown from genuine people who went out of their way to make this happen. I hope they realize how special they all are and how each and every one made a difference in not just my day, but my families too.
Our love goes out to everyone involved, thank you again for giving us these treasured moments.”
Antoinette, Stephen, Ashleigh & Brock
Donate To Our Cause:
The Race4Life Trust is granting wishes for palliative care patients throughout New Zealand,
ensuring that their final wishes are fulfilled. In the process, the Trust is creating cherished memories for patients and their families.
If you would like to donate to the Wish Service, or sponsor an individual wish, please click below.
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