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By Kobus Retief

Mercy Hospice Spins to New Heights

Auckland fitness professional, Kristy Robertson, took her spin-cycling class to new heights today. 21 stories up in the air, and in name of charity – a first ever in New Zealand.

Aptly named ‘SkySpin’, the experience included sound, lighting and 41 bikes on the roof of the Waldorf Apartment Hotel high-rise on St Martin’s Lane in the Auckland central business district.

Kristy Robertson and her team of eight top spinning instructors led seven ‘SkySpin’ sessions to raise funds for Mercy Hospice in Ponsonby, Auckland. All proceeds will be donated to Mercy Hospice in Ponsonby, Auckland – helping people with life-limiting illnesses live life to the full.

“I had a friend pass away in Mercy’s care last year,” says Robertson, “it touched my heart, they [Mercy Hospice] were fantastic”

“So far we’ve raised $5,000. I’m very proud of my team, it was very exciting to bring this first-of-its-kind event to New Zealand.”

Apart from raising funds for a great cause, Robertson and her team wanted to highlight that Mercy Hospice helps anyone at any age with a life-limiting illness.

Robertson comments: “It’s not just for older people, it’s for everyone and anyone. Any age, any background.”

Finding a high-rise building that met the requirements presented quite the challenge. Robertson approached a number of skyscrapers in the CBD, but most declined her request due to security risks.

“You’ll be surprised, it wasn’t as easy as we’d thought. Security requirements, council clearance... the list goes on!”

But Robertson, motivated by a good cause, kept on peddling and in the end the Waldorf Apartment Hotel agreed.

“The fantastic views from the roof and the chance for a really exciting fundraising opportunity for Mercy Hospice made the process worthwhile.”

SkySpin sessions were themed and seven classes ran throughout the day from 9:00am and finished with a Night Rider, evening class with a live DJ and music at 7:30pm.

Robertson would like to thank event sponsors are Blue Fitness, Tony Banks Photography, Horleys, LifeSport, Lucozade, The Hyatt Regency, 2XU, Balance Muscle Technology, Campus Recreation and Camelspace Event Structures.

Robertson is also involved in the Hospice’s Strawberry Festival on 4 November and Team Mercy – 12 people who will compete in the New York marathon in November.

Ends