900kms in 12 days for True Colours
‘‘They (True Colours) have been an absolutely vital support for the family.’’
A trust which helps young children and their families is about to get a helping hand itself, thanks to the pedal power of Dave Clay.
Clay will cycle the Waikato, starting from Cambridge, to help raise funds and awareness for the True Colours Children’s Health Trust, which has supported his grandson, Hadleigh and their extended family.
Hadleigh, 3, was born premature and suffers from chronic health conditions. True Colours has been there to offer support, as a Waikato-based health care organisation, funded entirely by community generosity.
The trust supports children and young people with complex serious illness and their families.
Since its inception in 2004, it has helped 1200 families.
‘‘They (True Colours) have been an absolutely vital support for the family,’’ Clay, from Morrinsville, said.
‘‘I thought about what I could do to help them.’’
Initially he was going to ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff and mooted the idea with his cycling buddies.
It was suggested by them that instead he should ride the area True Colours services, which is within the Waikato District Health Board jurisdiction.
‘‘That was a perfect idea, ever since then things have just fallen into place.’’
The avid cyclist, who has been riding for 25 years, has been training five days a week.
To date he has ridden over 8168kms.
Cycling shirts with the True Colours logo and his sponsors have been made and already over 30 have been sold.
Starting at Cambridge Town Hall on March 2 at 9.30am, Clay will ride through 23 Waikato and King Country towns, stopping off at supermarkets where Lions Club members from the various towns will set up information and fundraising areas.
He will arrive at Morrinsville New World on March 6 at 1.45pm.
Clay will finish his ride at True Colours headquarters on March 13 at 1.30pm.
True Colours Children’s Health Trust chief executive Cynthia Ward described Clay as a ‘‘super hero’’.
‘‘Every day at True Colours we are inspired by children who live with such complex health conditions. Their parents are often the unsung heroes who provide such dedicated care. However, the impact is on all family members,’’ she said.
‘‘Both Dave and (his wife) Louise really are going the extra mile to make a difference so that all children and their families continue to have the care they require from True Colours.
‘‘Their generosity and commitment is truly appreciated, we wish Dave well and look forward to celebrating his achievement.’’
To show your support for Dave’s Cycle Tour for True Colours go to: givealittle.co.nz/ cause/davescycletour or visit his Facebook page.