By KATHERINE HOBY
Rhonda Avis should have turned 30 yesterday, but her life was tragically cut short when she was murdered by Rwandan rebels last year.
Her husband, Mark, celebrated her birthday by presenting $8000 - proceeds from his sponsored London marathon run - to Starship children's hospital.
The money will be used for equipment to take blood tests without using a needle.
Mr Avis said he and his wife had been planning to start a family this year.
"Rhonda and I loved kids and they are our future. Kids mean the world to me," he said.
"If I can't have them with Rhonda then I want to help other people's children."
He said Mrs Avis had laughed at him when he told her of his intention to complete the marathon.
The 42km run had been tough, but the thought of the children he was raising money for, and his late wife's memory, urged him on to the finish.
"I thought to myself 'get to the finish, get to the finish for Rhonda'."
Mr Avis also raised funds for the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, where he now lives.
He hopes to return to New Zealand in the future.
Marathon effort for the children
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