Family go extra miles for Ronald McDonald House fundraiser
After experiencing the vital support of Ronald McDonald House when their son was sick, a Palmerston North family are encouraging people to take part in fundraising for the charity.
The Clare family are this month taking part in the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ House to House Challenge, which encourages people to run, walk, cycle or swim 210km in the name of charity.
This is to experience the average distance families travel to stay at a Ronald McDonald House when their child is having treatment.
Jonty Clare, 9, has spent his lifetime in and out of hospital, having his first medical crisis when he was an infant.
Since then he has had nine neurosurgeries, three years of chemotherapy and grappled with underlying medical conditions, travelling from Palmerston North and staying at hospital each time, with his family at Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Auckland house.
The family was taking part in the challenge for the sixth time and called for people to join them.
In 2015, Jonty, then 10 weeks old, was rushed to hospital on the National Children's Hospital plane in medical crisis with a tumour pressing on his brain.
This forced the Clare family into the complex world of medical treatments and surgeries.
Ronald McDonald House became more than just a temporary residence, it became a sanctuary where the family found relief and support during the worst times in their lives.
Jonty’s mother Kerri said Ronald McDonald House was the most amazing facility. “It takes away a whole lot of that admin stuff that you don’t need to think about when you’ve got a sick child. You don’t have to worry about what you’re going to eat for dinner, or where you’re going to sleep.
“It’s all there, so you can concentrate on helping your child through their medical journey.”
Last year, Jonty took part in the House to House wanting to help other families, but about halfway through, he contracted appendicitis.
Despite completing an impressive 26km in a day, he ended up in hospital and surgery put him out of action for two weeks.
This sparked something within his community, as his family and friends carried on his mission.
They established Friends of Jonty, a team of enthusiastic children who rode their bikes for a friend in need.
Together, they biked more than 2000km, raising more than $12,500 for Ronald McDonald House.
Kerri said House to House encouraged people to get out, get some exercise and set a goal. “And I think that was really cool for the kids to do, being able to set themselves their own target and work towards it.
“I think it’s something that’s great for kids and families to get involved in.”
Ronald McDonald House New Zealand chief executive Wayne Howett said the organisation was again calling for people to participate and fundraise in March.
“This will help us be able to keep providing families in need with a night’s accommodation, a meal and essential items when they arrive at our different houses.
“The last few years have been tough for many families and it doesn’t stop for those with a child needing serious, medical treatment in hospital.”