A group of rugby players from Ōtorohanga Sports Club started a special journey on Sunday to raise funds for incurable breast cancer: The wāhine toa walked from Te Kūiti to Te Awamutu . They started at 4am with “a hiss and a roar” from Waitete Rugby Club in Te Kūiti, before embarking on the walk as part of the Walk 50K this May campaign. The 13-hour, 30-minute journey, including breaks, saw the group stop at Hangatiki, The Big Apple, Ōtorohanga, Te Kawa Crossroads and Kihikihi along the way.
Emma-lee Heta, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Sina Hetet, Rina Paraone, Maria Murahi, Murihiku Martell, Tamea Te Rauna, Taongahuia MacDonald, Puna Moetaua, Paris Mataora, Katie Corbett, Taetia Kopa, Xiantaye Whata, Ben Hetet, Maraea Hetet, Ua’i Hetet and Te Iti-A-Rata Kōhanga Reo were involved in the journey. Funds raised during the challenge will help the charity Sweet Louise continue to provide practical, emotional and social support and services to Kiwis living with incurable breast cancer. “The number of walkers increased along the way, which was so great.
We had an awesome team to help support us during the walk and for our safety also. We were very grateful for how many people sponsored us during the walk,” Hetet said. “A big, big thank you to everyone who shared/donated to our cause.
It was definitely a challenge but what got us through was knowing it was for a great cause. We dedicate this walk to all people who have been affected by cancer. “Mahia te mahi hei pai.