Jet-ski expedition raises $110,000 for Melanoma New Zealand

24 March 2016

Jet-ski expedition raises $110,000 for Melanoma New Zealand

A 60-strong team of jet-ski enthusiasts has returned from an epic week-long expedition around the northern tip of New Zealand, raising an impressive $110,000 for Melanoma New Zealand in the process.

The Yamaha Melanoma New Zealand Ski-nZ team departed from the Hokianga Harbour on Sunday 6 March, travelling 650 kilometres to reach Marsden Point on Saturday 12 March.

Melanoma New Zealand CEO Linda Flay is grateful for the enthusiasm and involvement of participants, and their willingness to raise funds to battle a disease that claims the lives of more than 300 New Zealanders every year.

“We are so thankful for the riders and crew who have once again kindly supported our cause,” Mrs Flay said. “Their effort and enthusiasm is just brilliant and the funds that they have raised are vital to help us in our mission to prevent avoidable deaths from melanoma. Our special thanks go to Jeremy and Manola Burfoot for their ongoing support and organisation of this annual event.”

The group made stops at Ahipara, Parengarenga Harbour, Mangonui, Russell and Tututaka, before landing at Marsden Point to finish. The original intention was to finish at Leigh, but high winds on the final day prompted a change in plans. A fundraising auction night was held in Russell and this played a big part in lifting the overall fundraising total, with an impressive $23,095 raised on the night.

“With a great auctioneer and willing bidders, this result exceeded our expectations” Mrs Flay said.

To participate in the expedition, riders had to raise a minimum of $1,500 in individual sponsorship money. The fundraising total comfortably topped last year’s tally of $56,000 and takes the combined total raised through all four annual rides to just over $320,000.

To make a donation to Melanoma New Zealand, please visit www.melanoma.org.nz.

ENDS

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