Getting to know... Karen Scott

Karen Scott is coordinating the fundraising initiative 100k’s in 30 Days in Nelson Tasman. After recently learning that 12 women in her family through the generations have had breast cancer, she is very passionate about uplifting women by supporting them through the Nelson Regional Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Trust (NRBGCT).

At the weekend you’ll find me...

Usually walking Tāhunanui Beach, exploring our backyard in the Abel Tasman, or riding my bike, which is still not my friend because I fell off it!

I wish more people knew…

That I am not THAT Karen! My father is Danish so it is pronounced Karn, but I do let people know nicely and am never offended.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken...

Is saying “yes” after one week, then getting married within three months. Six kids and fifteen grandchildren later, and after forty-six years, I’m still saying “yes” to crazy adventures and living life on the edge with my intrepid photographer husband Vaughan.

I get my coffee fix from...

Home. Made with passion every day by the best personal barista and his much loved La Pavoni hand press coffee machine. It’s an art!

My greatest success is…

My six children who inspire and challenge me - three boys and three girls. A RNZAF flight officer, a personal trainer, a neuroscientist, graphic designer, IT architect and a community-focused leader. Scientists and creatives, introverts and extroverts, it’s a wild ride.

My simple pleasures are…

Being silly with the grandies on a video chat and watching a Netflix series with chocolate and a good wine.

Greatest advice to myself as a young mum…

Roll with the punches, your scars tell your story, eat dessert first sometimes. If the home is happy don’t stress about a messy house, celebrate small wins and choose joy.

The colour that best describes me is...

Pink. I love a bit of pink. It speaks of fun, nurture, joy, compassion, roses, my mum’s favourite flower and reminds me that breast cancer is cruel.

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is...

Organise an afternoon tea for the NRBGCT as soon as lockdowns were lifted. People were isolated and stressed in the community and just wanted to reconnect, so connect we did, with laughter and treats, and raised $6,000 over a cuppa.

I get myself out of a funk by...

Sitting in my special chair I bought when I was particularly low after my mum passed away from breast cancer. It pops with colour and reminds me of her and to be grateful for each day.

At a party you’ll find me…

Talking about another fundraising initiative because I just want everyone to get involved in 100k’s in 30 Days in May - run, walk, cycle or swimget fit and have fun while you fundraise and, of course, wear pink!