News Type: Events

 

 

A Kiwi cancer survivor has successfully raised $15,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand after scaling the Sky Tower’s 1103 steps, bogged down with 25 kilograms of firefighter kit.

Watch: Lymphoma survivor David Downs participated in Saturday’s Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge – and challenged Mark Richardson to beat his time next year. Credits: The AM Show

The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge raised almost $800,000 for the charity, an organisation that has supported numerous Kiwis through their battles with blood cancer.

Partakers of the challenge are clad in firefighter gear – including the uniform, breathing apparatus and helmets – while they scale the Auckland landmark’s extensive staircases.

Lymphoma survivor David Downs was one of the participants on Saturday, raising a substantial sum for the charity that provided crucial support throughout his grueling treatment.

“I’m in remission now, I’m really lucky I got through that – but all the way through when I had cancer, I was supported by Leukemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. The charity does all sorts of things to help patients,” Downs said on The AM Show on Monday morning.

“When they asked me if I’d climb the Sky Tower to raise some money, I said sure. That was like nine months ago, and I forgot about it – then [the time came] and I was like, ‘oh my God, I’ve got to do it’.”

Downs says the annual event gave him a target when he began to work on improving his health and fitness – a goal he set for himself following intensive chemotherapy.

“I wanted to get fit and healthy. After having cancer, going through chemotherapy, I started doing some training, but I needed a goal. This was a great goal,” he said.

“Part of this is the celebration that New Zealand can do these sort of events – people who have cancer, who are immune-compromised, don’t have to sit at home in cotton wool.”

Downs also posed a challenge to The AM Show co-host and sports-reader, Mark Richardson.

“I’m doing it next year, would one of the three of you join me?” he asked Richardson, host Ryan Bridge and newsreader Amanda Gillies.

“I’d definitely do it,” Richardson volunteered. “Without a doubt.”

Downs, who completed the challenge in 19 minutes, 48 seconds, challenged Richardson, a former cricketer, to beat his time in the 2021 event.

“That’s my time to beat, I think I can do it next year. If you can [beat] that, I’ll buy you a beer.”

“Buy it now,” Richardson quipped.

Newstalk ZB host and broadcaster Heather du Plessis-Allan was the fastest woman to ascend the stairs, with a time of 12 minutes, 29 seconds.

The challenge has currently raised $789,967.19 – 79 percent of its fundraising goal.

 

Story shared from Newstalk ZB

We are so proud to take part in such an awesome event, with our patients, nurses, doctors,  Sky Sports Breakers and Mai FM DJ’s.

“Everyone knows through Covid what it’s like to be isolated, but these patients are isolated throughout their whole treatment so they can’t attend any special events other people are able to do.”

 

Hilary Barry is hosting a new virtual charity event on June 6th where 25 people will Shave Live to save lives.

“People from all over New Zealand are coming together to shave off their lockdown hair. It’s a live online fundraiser for a wonderful cause supporting thousands of Kiwis with blood cancer,” says Hilary Barry.

Shave Live is part of the iconic Shave for a Cure fundraising event by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). The Covid-19 environment forced the cancellation of their usual fundraising events creating a gaping hole in their income.

“We were facing a 70% revenue loss because of Covid-19 – so it was sink or swim for many charities like us.  We made a conscious decision to innovate and change the way we do things. This includes moving fundraising events online such as Live Shave. Organisations need to think quickly and become agile to survive the new normal the virus has created,” says Peter Fergusson, CEO of LBC.

Hilary is excited to be involved in the first-ever mass shave event streaming online for the charity.

“I’ve been involved in Shave for a Cure for a number of years and enjoy getting on the clippers, with varying degrees of success. But this year because of Covid we’re having to do things a little differently which is exciting,” says Hillary Barry

LBC provides support services to ease the burden that blood cancer patients face. Being in lockdown posed challenges, but the organisation took it in their stride by adapting to a new approach.

“Our team worked around-the-clock, through all alert levels changing the way we do things. We were determined to maximise the care and support we offered regardless of Covid-19 barriers.  Support groups moved online, and we live-streamed online patient Q&A sessions with health professionals.   We increased the help we give to the most vulnerable patients by keeping in close contact by phone, text, and online. We also changed the format of the annual patient conference to an online symposium,” says Peter Fergusson.

Live Shave participants spin the Shave Wheel of Fun to choose their crazy shave style. You can watch, donate and celebrate the brave online shaves! Tune in to Live Shave, 3 pm on Saturday 6th of June at https://www.facebook.com/LBCNZ.

Live Shave is transforming into a roaring success; so much it will likely become an annual event for LBC.  Hilary has some tips for people keen to get into the action.

“I encourage anyone to sign up to Shave for a Cure – it runs all year round. It’s a fantastic way to show your support for blood cancer patients. What better way to get a new lid than to raise money for charity at the same time. And if its a disaster, don’t worry, it’ll always grow back! If you’re too shy to shave you can always donate,” says Hilary.

Learn more here https://shaveforacure.co.nz/

Westpac Stadium has been the scene of many a Kiwi sporting triumph and some truly banging concerts over the years. This November, it could also be the place where you smash one of your loftiest fitness goals for 2018 — all while contributing to a great cause.

Stadium Climb Wellington is a new outdoor challenge where you traverse one of the country’s most prized venues in the name of charity. Come 07 November, it won’t be doughnut vendors marching up and down the Westpac Stadium aisles — instead, you’ll be joining hundreds of other climbers as you navigate the stadium’s 4500 steps.

The event is a fundraiser for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. The funds raised will go towards helping local patients with blood cancer or a blood related condition, and their families.You can learn more about why we fundraise.

Feel free to tackle the challenge solo, or gather your mates and sign up  as a team for moral support and added fun. The challenge isn’t a timed race; it’s simply designed to be a fun way to get fit (yes, there are prizes on the day + medals) and support a worthy cause.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions www.leukaemia.org.nz. The organisation receives no direct government funding.

Key facts about blood cancers
•Based on Ministry of Health data close to 21,000 people are living with a blood cancer in New Zealand.
•Every day, 6 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer. That is one person every four hours.
•Blood cancers combined (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) are the fifth most common form of cancer in New Zealand
•Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer, while lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in 15 – 24 year-olds.

Visit www.stadiumclimb.co.nz/wellington to learn more.

Dunedin locals get the chance to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones and kick start their fitness for summer with the Stadium Climb charity event on October 13th with Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

Hundreds have signed up for Stadium Climb to take on the 60-minute stair challenge for cancer. Some of the quirky teams this year competing to raise much needed funds for Otago children and adults affected by blood cancers include the Red Hot Chilli Steppers, Stop and Stair, Cirque du Sore Legs and …Stair it in the Face.

“It’s a high energy event with an emphasis on fun! What better location than the iconic rugby venue, Forsyth Barr stadium. Take on the stadium stairs with music pumping to help find a cure for blood cancer. You might even walk away with a prize,” says CEO, Peter Fergusson from LBC.

Money raised by Stadium Climb provides emotional and practical support for Dunedin cancer patients. People like 23-year-old Alex Yarnell, who was diagnosed with leukaemia while completing his engineering degree.

“I had multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and my younger brother donated stem cells for a bone marrow transplant. It was a tough journey, and LBC walked alongside my family to help support us,” says Alex.

Alex was in an eighth-floor hospital ward receiving treatment to keep him alive during the Stadium Climb event last year. Medical staff from his haematology ward rallied around and entered two teams The Bloody Idiots and Hemodynamix to support the cause. They were the top fundraisers for the event with over $10,000 fundraised to help Dunedin patients living with cancer.

Fast forward to 2019 and Alex is in remission and training for this year’s event with his faithful dog and exercise buddy named Chemo.

“It would mean a lot to me to be competing in Stadium Climb this year alongside medical staff who treated me in hospital. I’d like to show them how far I’ve come and how fit the doctors and nurses have made me. It’s rewarding raising money for other patients with leukaemia like me,” says Alex.

People can tackle the challenge solo, or get a team of mates for added fun.

“What a blast to conquer 5,200 steps at the Highlanders home ground alongside the Red Hot Chilli Steppers. It’s up to you whether you are competitive or take it at your own pace. It’s the perfect time to kick start your fitness for summer and support a great cause. Places are filling fast, so I encourage locals to register now,” says Peter Fergusson.

Need more info or to register? Visit the website www.stadiumclimb.co.nz/dunedin

Wellington residents and workplaces are quick to sign up for Stadium Climb – a new outdoor stair challenge where locals traverse the famous ‘cake tin’ venue to raise money for cancer patients on November 7th.

“It’s a special event for me because I’m doing it to remember my father who lost his battle with leukaemia. I want to fundraise and support others like him, its an opportunity to make a difference,” says Shelly van der Krogt who has just registered for the event.

Shelly will be joining hundreds of other locals as she navigates 4,500 steps at Westpac Stadium for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

“Our organisation receives no direct government funding, so Stadium Climb is essential to provide much-needed support for blood cancer patients in the Wellington region. Money raised in Wellington stays in Wellington, providing emotional and practical support as well as education and research to find a cure,” says Peter Fergusson, CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Teams and individuals signed up already are currently battling for the top of the fundraising leader board. The amount raised will climb over the coming weeks as Wellingtonians get donations to bolster much-needed blood cancer services for patients in their region.

People like 26-year-old Noelle who moved to Wellington by herself and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. It was a tough journey after six rounds of chemotherapy, but LBC was able to walk alongside her with tailored support, as Noelle explains:

“I’d say to anyone going through blood cancer to get in touch with LBC – they really helped me. I also think having a positive attitude made a big difference!” Noelle finished her last treatment in May and is now in full remission. Every dollar fundraised will ensure patients like Noelle in Wellington get the support they need to get through cancer.

“It’s a high energy event for all fitness levels with an emphasis on fun. There will be music pumping as you climb, and the views are spectacular from the stands in the mighty Westpac stadium. It’s not a timed race; it’s a fun way to get fit for summer and support a worthy cause, and yes, there are spot prizes and medals. Tackle the challenge solo, or grab your workmates or friends to register as a team for moral support and added fun,” says Peter.

To sign-up, donate or learn more go to www.stadiumclimb.co.nz/wellington/