Trio walking for cancer arrive in Bay

Mike Butler with his dogs Idol, and Toby, walking along State Highway Two near the Pekapeka wetlands on his way to Wellington for the Cancer Society. Photo/ Paul Taylor.

A man and his two dogs are passing through Hawke's Bay as they walk the length of the North Island for the Cancer Society.

After initially starting his fundraising venture last July, Mike Butler kicked a pine cone and broke his leg on top of the Wharerata Hills just out of Gisborne, which meant his mission was put on hold.

"I had walked from Auckland to Hamilton to Gisborne and unfortunately a break caused a break."

Mr Butler along with his two dogs, Idol and Toby, arrived at the exact spot of the break to begin again on August 2 this year.

Now after just after 10 days of walking he is making his way through to central Hawke's Bay after landing in Havelock North on Thursday.

"I love walking and after working at ANZ we were always looking for ways to raise money for the Cancer Society. And because I can't bake cakes I thought this was a good way to do it."

Mr Butler walks every day with a planned distance and his longest day so far was from Wairoa to Mohaka where he walked 27km.

His toughest experience along the way was walking around Devils Elbow, along State Highway 2 just out of Bayview.

"There was very little road to walk on so I took my more reliable dog with me, Idol, and a bus came three inches away from him but he didn't panic. It was a demanding section of the walk."

But what makes the walk easier for Mr Butler is the people.

"There have been some very nice people helping me out and looking after me very well. I have been staying with dog friends, friends from the Anglican Church and also ANZ. It has made it very enjoyable."

Mr Butler plans to arrive in Wellington on Daffodil Day where he will be greeted by the Cancer Society with a baked cake.

"I think it is so important people to donate to the Cancer Society as cancer touches one in three New Zealanders, either a sufferer or relative of sufferer and the society provides constant support to all."

The society is a not-for-profit organisation which relies on donations and fundraising drives.

Mr Butler's goal was to raise $12,000 and so far he had already raised $9200.

Follow his journey at http://mikeshikenz.blogspot.co.nz/ and visit https://doyourthing-wellington.everydayhero.com/nz/mikes-hike to make a donation.