Fighting the good fight in the face of adversity
After a shock cancer diagnosis, Blair Vining did what few others could – he spent his final reserves of energy fighting for the rest of us. Blair Vining’s Epic Journey became a leading voice for equitable cancer care throughout Aotearoa, as he fought for an end to the ‘postcode lottery’ that sees many in the deep south face a long wait to access specialist care and treatment. His wife, Melissa Vining (Kāi Tahu – Ōraka-Aparima), has carried on his battle to save the lives of those living throughout Murihiku and Ōtākou. Kaituhi ALANA DIXON-CALDER sat down with the driving force behind the Southland Charity Hospital to discuss what this kaupapa will mean for the community.
20 TE KARAKA MAKARIRI 2021
