Rescue Warriors exceed all expectations for a good cause

When the Rescue Warriors set out on their 3000km cycling journey their goals were to complete the Tour Aotearoa Brevet in less than the required 30 days and to raise more than $25,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust.

WORDS BY ANITA BODY, IMAGES SUPPLIED

It was an idea sparked by the challenge of proving their bodies were not quite ready for retirement, and as a way of supporting a cause they see as being vital to Cantabrians. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter provides a life preserving service which has touched many lives, including some members of the Rescue Warriors – Bruce Kell, Warren Harris, Willy Leferink and David Keeley. The Tour Aotearoa Brevet is a bike-packing event where riders are self-supported for the entire 3000km journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It is not a race but follows a set course with participants having to pass through 30 photo checkpoints, with the journey having to be completed between 10 and 30 days. Setting off from Cape Reinga at 7am on February 25, the Rescue Warriors began what they describe as a life changing journey. “I would certainly encourage others to do it,” says Bruce. “It would be one of the most beneficial things I have done.” It wasn’t without its low points—the biggest being when Warren had to pull out after eight days due to an on-going knee issue. “He knew it might be a problem, but it was still pretty disappointing after all of the training and planning,” says Bruce The remaining Rescue Warriors continued their journey, arriving in Bluff mid-afternoon on March 20, just 24 days since their early morning start at Cape Reinga. “We had aimed for 25 days as our goal. The fantastic weather we experienced throughout the event certainly helped; it was so fine we just kept biking. It would have been totally different if we had wet weather every day.” The cyclists only once had to put their jackets on due to rain, and that was only for about an hour while cycling on the West Coast. Other highlights were the people and places they met and saw throughout the journey. “One of the biggest highs was the encouragement we received from Canterbury locals, especially along the way – that was much greater than we had thought it would be.” Knowing the event was selfsupported and they would be responsible for their own equipment (including tents throughout the North Island leg of the journey), meant they didn’t have an on-theground support crew to fall back on each day,

so the encouragement shown by those along the way was a welcome bonus. “We met a great range of people, both on the course and off. One memorable character was unicyclist, Ken who was outstanding.” He biked with them from Cape Reinga at the beginning of the event. They also had wonderful support at home, especially from their wives, and from family, friends and employers, all of whom were vital components to the success of the journey. “We were humbled by the support. It was amazing and exceeded all our expectations.” Being able to experience so many of the country’s bike trails was fantastic, with the cyclists riding a variety of trails from the Far North, through to the Waikato, the central North Island and Wairarapa and on to Nelson and the West Coast before reaching Bluff via Queenstown and the Southern Traverse. Facebook posts kept well-wishers and supporters up to date along the way, despite an incident at Big River in which Bruce’s phone was damaged meaning he was unable to use Facebook. Warren was able to take over the regular posts and updates by sharing photos and information from the others. At the heart of this journey was the aim of raising $25,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust. The Rescue Warriors wanted to raise awareness and funds for this life-saving service, knowing that many people will know someone or have used the service, whether it be to transfer hospitals, or as the result of an accident. They wanted to help ensure the service continues and it is clear they are not the only ones who feel the same way, with their fundraising goal well and truly exceeded with more than $75,000 raised. A presentation of $103,318.95 was made to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust last month. Ruralco is incredibly proud to have supported the Rescue Warriors and their fantastic fundraising event, especially as the team includes three shareholders and one retired Board member. While the Rescue Warriors fundraising appeal has closed, you can still support the Trust by donating directly to the

ABOVE: A pitstop at the Cadrona Hotel OPPOSITE: David Keeley, Bruce Kell and Willy Leferink as they passed through Wanaka. BELOW LEFT: The team in Opononi BELOW RIGHT: The finish line in Bluff

Westpac Rescue Helicopter through your Ruralco Card. Bruce says it is a wonderful event which is suitable for all sorts of people. “It’s not just for elite cyclists and the ultra-fit. There was a huge range of cyclists taking part, with all sorts of levels of experience. I would encourage more people to do it. The cause was the reason to get out and do it, but the body and soul also feel better for doing it. It certainly gave you time to think about life.”