Cycle fundraiser for Hospice Southland
The Rotary & Hospice Charity Cycle Challenge will always be an event close to the hearts of Robert and Ashleigh Williams.
Robert went from being told he had cancer to a clean bill of health in three months during 2017.
The 29-year-old Tiwai worker had to go through extensive treatment, including surgery.
Although Hospice was not involved in Robert’s recovery, he and wife Ashleigh appreciate the organisation’s care and support of cancer patients.
‘‘He’s been clear for two years,’’ Ashleigh said of Robert.
He is riding in this year’s Challenge on February 22, while Ashleigh will be in a support vehicle.
The couple are members of the Next Rotary Generation Invercargill which is helping to organise the Challenge.
All Rotary clubs in Southland have been invited to join the public for the cycle ride from Te Anau to Invercargill (160 kilometres). This is the third year the Challenge has been held.
The first, in 2018, raised $18,000 for a men’s health event in Invercargill. Hospice Southland was recipient of the $40,000 last year and is now the permanent receiver of funds from the event.
NRG president Matt McDonald, who works as a psychologist at Hospice Southland, hopes money raised this year can again reach or better $40,000. Rider entry numbers stand at 30.
In April 2016, NRG Invercargill was chartered after three Southlanders, John Prendergast, Trish Boyle and Louise Pagan, coordinated a meeting of young people to gauge interest in forming a new Rotary group.
With 20 members, NRG uses social media and modern technology to network and promote its activities.