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