28/08/2026
Earlier this year I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis after 3 years of joint and back pain. Since I live a very active lifestyle, it was a bittersweet diagnosis for me. At 35, I am not ready to stop being active, so I am taking up the challenge of completing some ultra endurance runs to prove to myself that I still have a lot left in the tank.
As you might expect, given my line of business, I already volunteer and work extensively in the non profit sector. Therefore, I decided to turn my personal challenges into something more meaningful. That is why I am reaching out to you today.
The first challenge is the Ian Priest Memorial Trial Run. A 60km ultra marathon starting from Featherston, running over the Rimutakas, and continuing all the way to Wellington Harbour.
This is a real challenge. My back hurts. My neck hurts. My knees and ankles hurt. My wrists and knuckles hurt. And this will be the furtherest I have ever run in one day, if I can finish in time.
I will be documenting my whole journey, the ups and downs and everything in between. So join me in supporting Arthritis NZ by donating to the cause. Otherwise you can show your suport for free by following my training on Strava or my video updates accross social media.
We already have a plan for event #2, but more on that later.
Fundraising for Arthritis New Zealand (Mateponapona Aotearoa)
