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THURSDAY MAY 3 2012
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THURSDAY MAY 3 2012
• Students learn about Fair Trade
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Christchurch marathon reaches new level P7
Familiar CTV face returns P21
Tandem cyclists take on the world P8
New challenge for quake survivor
Chris Tobin
Planning: Brian Coker, left, and Rob Martin discuss their training programme in preparation for the New York marathon later this year. Photo: Chris Tobin
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FIFTEEN months after doctors amputated his legs using a pocket knife in the wreckage of the PGC building, Christchurch man Brian Coker is now training to compete in the New York marathon. Mr Coker, 54, will be a member of a small team of physically disabled South Islanders organised by Achilles NZ who will contest the marathon in November. He will be riding a hand-driven cycle. “It’s a huge challenge really but Achilles have been great,” he said. They’ve not got any expectations of me going there to win. They said go there and enjoy it.” Mr Coker said the challenge for him at the moment was to fit everything in. “I’ve got work, rehab and training; that’s where it’s at the moment.” After his ordeal following the February 22 earthquake last year, Mr Coker returned to work on a part-time basis in June. He swims twice a week with his wife Helen and he said taking up cycling was motivated by a desire to return to this activity. Prior to the February 22 earthquake he cycled to work and with Helen at the weekends. Mr Coker will line up in November with two other South Island Achilles members - Rob Martin, of Christchurch, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, and Drew McLean, of Dunedin, who has a paralysed right shoulder. Mr Martin, 46, is a veteran of the New York marathon having competed three times with a best finish of second in the
hand-cycle section. He is assisting Mr Coker with his training. “The crowd support there (in New York) is great. It’s a big festive atmosphere with bands and people calling ‘good job, good job’.” Mr Coker hoped to compete in the Christchurch Airport Marathon at Queen’s Birthday Weekend but race organisers advised him hand-driven cycles were not accepted. “It’s a shame; I would have liked that practice with the crowds.” His wife Helen will accompany him to New York and he hoped their daughter Olivia, 26, who is living in London, will be there also. If she could attend, it was likely their son Jonathon, 22, would also be there. Mr Coker said the trip would be selffunded with assistance from Achilles. An Achilles charity corporate golf day featuring cricketer Chris Martin, former All Black Frank Bunce, and TV presenter Hamish McKay, will be held at Clearwater Golf Club next Thursday followed by a fundraising auction. Money raised will go towards the cost of the Achilles team’s trip and the cost to establish an Achilles branch in the South Island to meet demand from disabled people of all ages in Canterbury and the provinces. Achilles NZ is run by volunteers. Those wanting to contribute can do so at: www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/ achillessouthisland
312 Wilsons Road North, Waltham • Phone 366 0070 Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5.30pm • Sat 9am -12pm
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