On the 31st of May Kenny Hewitt from Ray White Mt Maunganui will be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon to raise funds to support the Waipuna Hospice in Tauranga.
Funded purely from charity, the hospice has a special place in Kenny’s heart, “After a short battle with cancer Pam, my late wife, died on the 9th January 2013. During the five months of Pams illness the hospice were amazing in their support. From the first visit when Kath came round to help Pam, to the stays at the hospice where I still don’t know what they did, but they would reinvigorate her.”
Kenny is not alone in his efforts with sponsorship from the local gym, and six other members of the family joining in on the run, including his now partner Jill who he says” has been an amazing driving force.”
Waipuna Hospice provides specialist medical services, nursing care and support to people living in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty with an illness for which cure is no longer an option. In operation since 1989, the hospice has grown from a day unit to offering 24 hour care as well as at home and a range of other services.
Providing all care free of charge, the hospice relies on donations to keep their service going. Despite funding from the District Health Board, the hospice still needs to raise $2.5 million to cover this years shortfall in operating costs. They rely on community support, like that from Kenny, to keep going.
“My goal is to raise as much money as possible. You will be aware that the hospice is funded purely by charity and is an awesome asset to Tauranga and the Bay Of Plenty.” To date $3,730 has been raised.
To support Kenny and the Waipuna Hospice go to http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/KennyHewitt