Riding for melanoma

On Wednesday, March 15, 20 PWC (personal watercraft) riders will arrive on New Plymouth shores.

These adventurers are on an epic two-week journey, beginning in Stewart Island and ending in Auckland. The object of the ride is to raise money to help Melanoma New Zealand increase awareness, treatment, and support for those affected by melanoma.

Locals can help support the riders by attending the Yamaha Ski nZ Auction Night being hosted on Wednesday, March 15 at the Sportfishing and Underwater Club. There will be a cash bar from 5pm, dinner at 6.30pm followed by Live/Silent Auctions 7pm and live music by Taranaki band Laconic Zephyr beginning at 8pm.

The Nice Hotel and King & Queens Suites have both provided accommodation packages and there will be an All Blacks Jersey signed by the Barrett brothers. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction items will be donated to Melanoma NZ.

‘‘We really hope the New Plymouth community support our event as Taranaki leads the world in deadly cancers caused by the sun and many people in the region are affected by it,’’ said event organiser Melanie Ion.

In Taranaki, around 60 in every 100,000 people are diagnosed with the disease - 55 per cent higher than the national rate. Among the Jetski riders is PwC Taranaki Partner and past chairman and life member of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Grant McQuoid. He is doing the event because of the opportunity to combine a great adventure with something positive for the community, fundraising for Melanoma.