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College Staff Taking On 100km Walk

March 08, 2016 at 1:37 PM

While most people will be enjoying their weekend on April 2-3, some of our College staff will be negotiating their way around the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker. The ‘Clarkie’s Crew’ team of College nurse, Chris Clark; her husband, Peter; Head of Christian Education, Susan Mudford; and her husband, Stuart is taking on the event for the second time. They completed the gruelling mission in Taupo in 2008 and are keen to beat their inaugural time and the amount of money they raised.

This year, the event is going to be held in the Whakatane-Ohope region for the first time. The course includes some tough uphill sections and technical downhills, as well as a crossing of the Whakatane River by walking across rafts in the middle of the night. Teamwork will be critical on the unfamiliar track if they are to achieve their goal of completing the 100km in under 24 hours. Chris’s nursing background has the first aid and nutrition aspects covered. Stuart’s experience in the outdoors, which includes 14 Field Centre expeditions, will take care of the navigation and getting the team through the technical parts. Pete’s determination and sense of humour will keep morale levels up. Whilst Susan is probably more at home on long bike rides or endurance swims, she’s hoping the early mornings and long hours out walking she’s spent in preparation will get her over the finish line.

All four are motivated by knowing that in some countries people don’t get to enjoy their old age. Many are without the things we take for granted in New Zealand and die of illness or malnutrition before they get to 50 or 60. The team are hoping to beat the $10,000 they raised in 2008. With the recent devastation in Fiji, some of the funds will be going to build schools and hygiene facilities in villages that badly need these basics. When things get tough out on the course, one thing that will keep them going is the support from so many people. The more money they know they are raising with every step, the more motivated they will be to keep going.

To make a donation to this great cause and show your support for the team, please go to https://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/otw16/teams/clarkies-crew

 

 

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