Cycling The North Island For Positive Ageing

Proving that age is no barrier to staying fit and active, 62 year old Phillip Marcroft is cycling the width of the North Island in a bid to promote positive ageing.

Philip Marcroft decided he wanted to do something positive to promote issues for older people. So with the help of local sponsorship and a great deal of determination, he will set off on Sunday 8 April to begin a five day journey that will take him from Opunake in Taranaki, through Wanganui, Dannevirke, Napier, Wairoa and then on to Gisborne, his final destination.

Philip Marcroft's journey has been inspired by the experiences he has had both in his own life and through his contact with Age Concern Wanganui. He is a keen supporter of Age Concern New Zealand's work to promote positive ageing and he is keen to share his own experience of on benefits of physical activity and positive attitude for health and well being in later life.

On Tuesday April 10, Philip will break his journey briefly to call in at Age Concern New Zealand's annual general meeting, which is being held in Havelock North from 9 - 11th April.

Throughout his journey Philip will be accompanied by his support driver Vass Coorey, of Levin, and they can be contacted via their mobile phones, provided courtesy of Telecom. The local community and businesses in Wanganui have also rallied behind him, donating equipment, accommodation, meals, and his support vehicle. The support he has received has been inspiring to Philip Marcroft, and has further strengthened his belief in the importance of highlighting ways to overcome challenges and to age well.

Attached is an itinerary of Philip's journey. Philip will be clearly identifiable to passing motorists through the positive ageing messages he is displaying and toots of support are always welcome.

ENDS

Age Concern is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation working to promote the well-being and quality of life of older people in New Zealand, since 1948.

For further information please contact: Ron Hilton, Chairman, Age Concern Wanganui, on 06 344 6431

Dr Margaret Guthrie, National President, (hm) 04-233 9016 or after 9 April contact c/- 025 243 6991

or Garth Taylor, Chief Executive (wk) 0-4-471 2709 or (mobile) 025 243 6991

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To contact Philip Marcroft during his journey, please phone his support driver, Vass Coorey, on 025 246 2827.

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**** Itinerary: Cycling the North Island for Positive Ageing ****

>>> Philip Marcroft's itinerary – Opunake to Gisborne

Sunday 8th April Cycle from Opunake to Wanganui. Overnight Wanganui.

Monday 9th April Cycle Wanganui to Dannevirke. Overnight Dannevirke.

Tuesday 10th April Cycle Dannevirke to Napier via Havelock North. Stop at Age Concern New Zealand AGM in Havelock North for welcome. Arriving approximately 2.45pm. Then travel on to Napier. Overnight Napier.

Wednesday 11th April Cycle Napier to Wairoa. Overnight Wairoa.

Thursday 12th April Cycle Wairoa to Gisborne. Overnight Gisborne.

Friday 13th April Return by support car to Wanganui.

Up to date arrival times can be obtained by phoning Philip or his support driver on 025 246 2827.

>>> Sponsors and Supporters

Philip's ride would not have been possible without the generous support of: · Wanganui's Hedgehog Bikes, for work on Philip's bicycle; · Clive Spencer Motors, Wanganui, who have provided the support car; · Telecom who have donated two pre-paid mobile phones for the journey; · McDonalds Family Restaurant who have donated meal vouchers · G Force sport drinks · H & A Print who have screen printed Philip's t-shirts (T-shirts donated by TV3) · The following motels who are providing free accommodation for Philip and his support driver during the trip: Riverview Motel, Wanganui; Park Inn Motel, Palmerston North; Sherwood Lodge Motel, Napier; Blue Pacific Beachfront Motel, Gisborne; and Three Oaks Motel, Wairoa.

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