Soldiers Cycle Length Of New Zealand

Media Release
12 November 2010

Soldiers Cycle Length Of New Zealand

Combining a personal dream of riding the length of New Zealand with fundraising for Heart Children will see Linton’s Lance Corporal Hannah Drake swap the eight wheels of her Light Armoured Vehicle for two.

Lance Corporal Drake will cycle the length of New Zealand beginning in Bluff on 13 November and finishing at Cape Reinga on 24 November.

The fundraiser, Heart Rate 180, is in memory of Jacob Regan Pointon, who at age 19 passed away during a heart procedure in December 2008. Jacob’s resting heart rate was 180 beats per minute giving effect to the unusual name of the fundraiser.

While still at high school, Hannah was Jacob’s babysitter and became good friends with both Jacob and his mother Nicola Pointon.

“After his death I wanted to do something to raise awareness and help other children with heart conditions”, says Lance Corporal Drake.

Lance Corporal Drake will be accompanied for the ride by Warrant Officer Class One Aaron Williamson as the pair average 200km a day, stopping for rest in towns along the way.

They will be accompanied in the South Island by soldiers from Burnham, with a contingent of the Army cycling team joining them for the ride from Wellington to Palmerston North. Warrant Officer Class One Wayne McAsey from Whanganui will accompany them from Wellington to Cape Reinga.

After reaching Cape Reinga they will complete the 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and a fun ride with Heart Children.

It is hoped to raise $30,000 for Heart Children New Zealand and anyone wanting to donate can go to www.everydayhero.co.nz/hr180 or contribute as the team passes through your town.

ENDS

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