Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Courageous Kayakers Raise Funds For Child Cancer!
July 5 2006
Courageous Kayakers Raise Funds
For Child Cancer!
A courageous child cancer survivor and seven dedicated men have entered the fifth day of their kayak journey to Cape Reinga!
Chris Dench, a child cancer survivor and amputee, and his team mates are kayaking hundreds of kilometres from Takapuna to Cape Reinga to raise awareness and funds for the Child Cancer Foundation Auckland Branch.
The Kayak for Cancer has already raised more than $5, 500 for the Child Cancer Foundation Auckland Branch.
The journey has so far seen the team face dangerous surf, broken kayaks and exhaustion and that was only the first four days.
“Day four was incredible. The surf was pounding as the team tackled the bar. After losing sight of them I realised we’d lost one man somewhere and one kayak was upside down and being battered about,” reported Ruth Henderson the teams land support.
“Luckily everyone was fine, minus one kayak that needed some serious repairs, but today everything is back on track.”
As an amputee Chris is facing extra challenges
on the journey but sees the expedition as a chance to show
that child cancer survivors can achieve and
live
fulfilling lives.
"The Kayak for Cancer will be incredibly tough and demanding but then so is living your childhood with cancer," said Chris.
"We want our expedition to highlight the struggle cancer kids face everyday but show that cancer can be beaten with the help of organisations such as the Child Cancer Foundation."
The Kayak for Cancer team has self-funded their expedition and hope to reach Cape Reinga before July 16. All funds raised will be donated to the Child Cancer Foundation Auckland Branch.
The Child Cancer Foundation Auckland Branch actively supports more than 600 children with cancer and their families. Support ranges from financial assistance and counselling to home visits and sibling and parent events. The Child Cancer Foundation receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations and sponsorship.
If you would like to support the Kayak for Cancer expedition please visit:
ENDS
Buy NZ Made: Beware The Black Friday 'Deal'
Little Miracles Trust: 60 Landmarks Light Up Purple To Support Babies Fighting For Life On World Prematurity Day
Maia Studio: Frankie Venter Performs With Coldplay At Sold Out Eden Park Show
Royal NZ Ballet: RNZB's Tutus On Tour Returns For Summer 2025
Little Miracles Trust: The Little Miracles Trust World Prematurity Day Campaign
NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes: Critical Workforce Shortages Leave People With Type 1 Diabetes Unable To Access Life Changing Technology