"I've been on a fitness journey for the past couple of years, and part of the reason for the walk is to push myself as well as raise funds. I'm keen for this to be a call to action for people to get involved by walking their way or donating to a great cause."
He said he is hoping to walk between 50 and 60 kilometres in the 12 hours, or 150 to 180 laps of his block.
"In the grand scheme of things, what's 12 hours of walking? I might get a blister and that's it, but there are people out there that are having to tough it out through chemo and radiation and other things."
He said everybody knows someone who has had cancer or has passed away from it.
"My dad has chronic leukaemia - it's not something that's likely to kill him but he lives with it. It's something that's close to everybody, unfortunately."
By Friday February 4 he had already raised over $3000 towards his goal, including a single $1500 donation from a business owner.
People are able to donate towards his effort at https://www.relayforlife.org.nz/gareth-mentzer.
Mentzer said he wanted his walk to be a call to action for others to walk or donate. Photo / Warren Buckland
Cancer Society events and fundraising co-ordinator Pip Taylor said the charity was still asking for teams to participate in the Relay's new format, Relay Your Way, set over one week for Hawke's Bay starting from March 12.
"Instead of coming together at a physical event, we will be together in spirit. Teams will participate at a place and time of their choosing – how they want, where they want, with who they want. But their safety is paramount."
She said there will be support and online resources, including an online video guide to the Relay For Life ceremonies.
Cancer Society chief executive Lucy Elwood said in a statement that Relay For Life is a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers and remember loved ones lost to cancer for many people.
"We hope people across Aotearoa New Zealand will participate in Relay Your Way this year and run, walk, or even dance laps with our online guide to support people affected by cancer," Elwood said.
