After setting herself a goal of walking 75 kilometres and raising $1,500, Lois set out on a fundraising journey that became something far more personal.
Lois’ motivation came from her own experience with cancer. Until she went through it herself, she hadn’t fully realised the breadth of support Cancer Society Nelson Tasman provides to people and their whānau.
“I didn’t realise what the Cancer Society did in terms of supporting people and their whānau impacted by a cancer diagnosis until I went through it myself and was so well supported. Giving back became part of my why.”
Over several weeks, Lois completed a series of walks across the region, including:
- Richmond to Brightwater – 10km
- Motueka to Jester House – 10km
- Nelson Half Marathon – 10km walk
- Motueka Community Walks: four 10km walks and one 5km walk
Total distance walked: 75km
Lois also spent time outside local shops in Motueka, Tākaka, Tapawera, Riwaka, Appleby, Wakefield and Māpua, accepting kōhā from the community. The response was generous, with Lois raising an impressive $2,085.80, well beyond her original goal.
She says she was humbled by the generosity of those who stopped to donate, and by the stories people shared with her. Lois felt privileged to be able to help and encourage others who are impacted by cancer.
When we first met Lois last year, she shared that being told she was clear of cancer felt like she had run and won a marathon. That moment gave her a deep appreciation of what people and their whānau experience when cancer affects a loved one.
Lois didn’t seek recognition. She simply wanted to give back, and in doing so, she has made a meaningful difference in our community.
