From the Bluff to the Cape – Ride for Hospice

From the Bluff to the Cape – Ride for Hospice

For Steve Northey of Auckland, cycling the length of the country in less than 20 days is the best 50th birthday present he could give himself, and the North Shore Hospice.

Steve, who turned 50 in January will set out on Monday, on a ride in memory of his mother who passed away from cancer in 2001.

During the late stages of her illness, Mrs Northey received care from the team at North Shore Hospice.

“The care and attention mum received at the Hospice was incredible, and I want to repay this by getting as many donations as possible as I ride the length of the country,” says Steve.

Steve says that turning 50 finally gave him the boost that he needed to complete this mammoth task – a task that he has been thinking about for many years.

“It’s been on my mind for a while, and when I turned 50 I thought that I could combine a big mental and physical challenge with a fundraiser for the people that helped my mum and the family so much during a difficult time”, says Steve.

Steve won’t be undertaking the mission alone; Detective Shane Page, 46, Detective Inspector Kim Libby, 50 and Senior Fire Fighter Tod Penberthy, 51 will accompany him on the journey.

Mike Franklin, CEO of the North Shore Hospice says that the organisation is humbled by Steve and his co-riders’ commitment and enthusiasm.

“North Shore Hospice relies on the community to raise the shortfall in funds each year and we are humbled when individuals like Steve make such a huge commitment in support of our work. Steve has put in so much effort for this challenge, and we hope the public will get in behind him. The team at North Shore Hospice will be supporting him all the way,” says Mr Franklin.

North Shore Hospice receives funding from the Government, but must raise more than $2 million each year to enable it to deliver its services to families free of charge.

Mr Northey will set out on his bike ride on March 2, and expects the ride of 2100kms to take 18 days, with two rest days. His aim is to raise upwards of $10,000 for North Shore Hospice.

People wishing to help are invited to visit Steve’s fundraising page on FundraiseOnline and to track his progress via his blog www.blufftocape.blogspot.com.

ENDS