Press Release
4 Feb 2011

The End of the Road

Otago University students Kate Medlicott and Tim Geaney today reached the end of the road on their arrival at Cape Reinga. Departing from the Bluff on 15 November 2010 Kate and Tim have walked some 2,300 kms in all sorts of conditions to achieve their goal to walk the length of New Zealand.

Kate says “It has been a long walk and tough at times but we will remember this forever. We wanted to draw attention to the work of ECPAT Child ALERT in preventing child sex abuse. We think that if we have protected even one child from this awful abuse our efforts have been worthwhile. As young people we especially want the youth of New Zealand to take a stand against sexual exploitation of children.”

Throughout the walk people have been generous and supported the walkers with refreshments, clothing and footwear and accommodation. Many have been surprised and shocked as they learned of the amount of child sexual exploitation both here in New Zealand and overseas.

“We are very impressed with Kate and Tim’s commitment to this endeavour” says Alan Bell, Director of ECPAT Child ALERT. “Their concern for protecting children was a strong motivating factor and we totally commend them for their dedication and congratulate them on their completion of this marathon walk.”

ECPAT Child ALERT is a charitable trust working to prevent the sexual exploitation of children including prostitution, pornography and trafficking.

ENDS

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