Pride of NZ: Father's diagnosis spurred action

Carey Vivian cycled hundreds of kilometres on off-road tracks.

Carey Vivian
Fundraiser of the Year

The first day of Carey Vivian's month-long cycling fundraiser was the hardest.

He set off from Cape Reinga on February 1 this year and rode 80km along the length of Ninety Mile Beach, in a day.

A month later, after cycling hundreds of kilometres on off-road tracks, he reached Bluff and had raised $43,000 for motor neuron disease.

His effort has earned the Queenstown local a nomination for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the fundraiser of the year category.

The motivation to cycle the length of New Zealand came when Mr Vivian's father was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.

Mr Vivian describes his father as particularly active and "a risk-taker".

"He built an aeroplane and flew that around for 20 years."

When his father was diagnosed, the doctor told him to "do everything you want to do now, because soon, you won't be able to".

"I guess that was my inspiration," his son said.

The cycling trip had been on Mr Vivian's bucket list for some time but he decided to also use it as an opportunity to raise money for the people supporting his father.

Mr Vivian carried all his belongings needed for the trip and camped where he could.

He spoke to as many people as would listen, hoping to raise awareness about motor neuron disease.

Many of those he met offered support in their individual way, from directions through to donations.

"People who were complete strangers offered accommodation for the night and a meal. It was really incredible."

Mr Vivian hopes to replicate his fundraising journey in a few years, with a couple of twists.

He will reverse the itinerary so he begins at Bluff and ends at Cape Reinga, and he'll be taking his daughter on a tandem bike.

- Eva Corlett

Skills began with school recipe book

Wendy McCrae. Photo / Manawatu Guardian

Wendy McCrae
Fundraiser of the Year

Wendy McCrae is the woman behind the Rapid Roosters, who have raised plenty since being named the top fundraising team in 2011 in Relay for Life. In 2013 the Roosters went on to win the best fundraising small team title.

Wendy has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the fundraiser category.
The drive to fundraise came through Wendy's connection with three people who were struck with cancer.

Wendy said her fundraising skills started when her daughter was at St Joseph's in Feilding. She raised $7000 for a school recipe book. Then with three school-aged children in Scouts, there was more fundraising to get two of them to the Scouts' 100th anniversary in London. Overseas school trips also required more fundraising.

Wendy confesses she can't stop fundraising; she's out there walking for a cancer cure and to support those who are living with cancer.
They're not that rapid on the course, but the Roosters' efforts are rewar
ded with the money they continue to raise.

- Merania Karauria

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are proudly brought to you by The New Zealand Herald, The Hits and TSB Bank.
Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
To see more stories of our wonderful nominees click here.
For more information on the awards go to the official website.