Well OK,…… maybe not better.

When Hospice North Shore became Charity Partner of the Coastal Challenge in 2012, there was no question, we weren’t going to be sitting on the side lines, we were in ‘boots & all’.

Having no idea what we had signed up for I, along with 4 colleagues, decided we would take on the 33km team relay – and the Hospice Hobblers were born. No member of our team was fit, so we put in a fair amount of training to ensure we would be able to complete our section of the course. Race day was a real eye opener – who knew those of us doing the first couple of legs were going to get so wet and that I possibly should have spent a bit if time in the pool working on my dog paddle……but we LOVED it. While not all of my team agrees, my mantra is “if you don’t get wet, you’re not having fun”, with my favourite leg being the Long Bay to Browns Bay.

Since then, the Hospice Hobblers have entered a relay team every year, with other staff, including our Chief Executive, taking on most of the other event options. The team has continued to grow, as staff haven’t been able to resist giving it a go when hearing us talking so passionate about our experience – and for those of us who have already done the Coastal Challenge, there is no question, we will keep coming back. It is so addictive and so much fun.

Much of the fun for the Hospice Hobblers, is the build up to the Coastal Challenge. Many Sundays, staff from the Hospice can be found walking along the North Shore coastline, taking on one or more of the legs as part of our “Social Training” programme. It’s about getting a feel for the course as well as getting to know our colleagues and their families. We’ve had so much fun and got ourselves into some hilarious predicaments, that may not have been so funny at the time, but years later we still talk about them with fond bantering, and I’m still not trusted to read the tide charts……

This year Hospice North Shore have 31 staff registered, including 3 relay teams. So we will be out in force all over the course! If you see a Hospice runner or walker on 7th March, do say ‘hi’ .

We are never going to be serious competition – for us it is about giving it our best, having fun and finishing with the satisfaction of having been part of an awesome event.

So if you aren’t sure whether to give the Coastal Challenge a go, let me tell you, if the Hospice Hobblers can take on the Coastal Challenge, anyone can – and you won’t regret it!

The Coastal Challenge is also a great fundraising opportunity for us. The Hospice Hobblers, and teams who sign up to “Run for Hospice” encourage their friends and family to sponsor their efforts, with many of these teams coming back year after year. We are also very thankful the local Rotaries who support us by helping with the marshalling. Of course, our biggest thank you goes to the wonderful team at Total Sport. Not only have you created an amazing event, but also donate $1 from each entry to Hospice North Shore. Our care is reliant on the support we receive from our community and we are privileged to be supported through the Coastal Challenge, which to date has raised over $53,000 to help those in on the North Shore living with a life-limiting illness, and their families.
Carol Herbert
Community Fundraiser
Hospice North Shore