Builder cycling 12,000km for his nana
King Country builder Kieran Powell is downing tools this summer to cycle the circumference of New Zealand in a bid to raise money for Hospice New Zealand.
In May, Powell’s nana, Natalie Taylor, 97, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and was admitted to Hospice care in the Waikato. Since then, her family said, she had received the most amazing care and support which spurred Powell into doing something tangible to help the charity.
‘‘When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer it’s devastating. My nana has been our family’s rock our whole lives,‘‘ he said.
Not one to back down from a challenge, the 30-year-old Te Kuiti-based one-man band, decided to go further than cycling the length of Aotearoa and instead, cycle around it, navigating some of the toughest coastal country on offer.
‘‘The whole journey is about 12,000km and will take me around five months to complete,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s going to be tough, incredibly tough, both physically and mentally, but it’s nothing compared to what our nana is going through,’’ he said.
As the owner and only employee of KP Building, he will have to give up his business for a few months for the fundraising campaign, which he’s named ‘‘The Long Way Home’’.
‘‘It will be a long way home, but I’m excited for it, I’m nervous and scared all in one.
‘‘When the going gets tough I know that doing this for nana is what’s going to get me through.’’
Powell, originally from Hamilton, has worked directly with Hospice Waikato to make sure every cent he raises will be donated to the charity.
‘‘As an essential service, Hospice relies on the generosity of the public to make up a shortfall of nearly $82 million a year that the Government does not provide, so every dollar raised will go a long way.
‘‘Dying is part of life and affects everyone, which is why hospices and the palliative care they provide are so important to both those being cared for, as well as their loved ones.’’
Kieran is looking for businesses and organisations to get in behind him by sponsoring his journey.
‘‘I’m going to need a lot of gear, a lot of food and a lot of support to get me through those months on the road so if there are any businesses or organisations out there who would be interested in supporting The Long Way Home financially, it would be beyond appreciated.’’
He has a bike and has been training 15 hours a week, expecting to start the journey in November. A previous triathlete, hard work and dedication is in his blood.
‘‘I’ve still got a few months up my sleeve to really dig into my training for what’s needed out there and plan and map the logistical side of it all. I’m expecting some of those steep West Coast hills with dense bush to really test me.’’
If you’re interested in supporting Powell’s journey, visit ‘‘The Long Way Home NZ’’ on Facebook or Instagram.
You can donate to Hospice Waikato through the fundraising campaign at hospicewaikato.org. nz, selecting ‘‘the long way home’’ under ‘‘type of donation’’.