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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Firefighters' epic journey highlights leukemia.jpg "Brad Bowmar walks for Fire Brigade(copy1)") Last month we caught up with a group of firefighters heading to Wellsford via Waipu and Mangawhai on an epic fundraising walk.Despite intense blisters and sore muscles, the firefighters walking in firefighting gear from Waitangi to Auckland to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). Team captain Maaka McKinney says it’s been tough with many sore bodies, but the support has been amazing. “When we set off from Waitangi people lined the streets and preformed the haka as we walked. Others left their farms on their quad bikes to come and donate, which was really motivating,” says Maaka. .jpg "fire fighters waipu walk(copy)") Badges made by children with leukaemia were pinned to their highlighter yellow jackets to help boost motivation as they walk a total of 283.5km. Meeting patients in Whangarei and in small towns while bucket shaking has also helped inspire the team and give them fuel to keep going.“For me this walk is a way to do something to help people who need it,” says Maaka. “I know there are families out there with loved ones diagnosed with a blood cancer. They’re facing hard journeys of their own with no option of giving up. That’s a really powerful motivator for what we’re trying to achieve.” The team hoped to raise $20,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. One of the highlights was walking over the Auckland Harbour Bridge before heading to SkyCity to be welcomed by the kappa haka group Raukura. Brigades involved in the walk included the Birkenhead Volunteer Brigade and Auckland Airport Brigade. Firefighters from Paihia, Kerikeri, Hikurangi, Kawakawa, Ruakaka, Mangawhai, Wellsford and Kumeu joined them for parts of the journey. Rodney College student Bradley Bowmar joined the team heading to Helensville. Starting at midnight from the Wellsford Fire Station Bradley walked 37km carrying a BA (breathing apparatus) which weighs approximately 25kg, finishing just before Kaukapakapa. Bradley is currently a volunteer fighter at the Wellsford Station and is looking to pursue a career in firefighting. Approximately 10,000 people in New Zealand are living with blood cancer or related conditions. Six New Zealand children and adults are diagnosed each day with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. n To donate or for more information visit my.leukaemia.net.nz/NZFCT |
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