Marathon effort in memory of son

Hastings mum and lawyer Heidi Oliver will walk the NZ Sotheby's RE Half Marathon in memory of her son Marcus. Photo / Supplied

For Heidi Oliver, the upcoming Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay Marathon is a symbol to live life to the fullest following the loss of her 5-year-old son, Marcus, to a rare cancer last year.

On May 13, the 40-year-old Hastings mum and lawyer will walk the NZ Sotheby's RE Half Marathon in memory of her son, but also to raise awareness of the rare cancer and to help assist research towards a possible cure.

Marcus passed away on Christmas Day last year after a short battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and incurable paediatric brain cancer, after being diagnosed on June 26 last year - eight days after he turned 5.

"This came as a huge shock to us as Marcus had always been such a healthy child. From the day he was diagnosed to the day he passed away, every moment with Marcus was precious, to be enjoyed and treasured," Mrs Oliver said.

"DIPG is a rare, aggressive and incurable form of paediatric brain cancer that interferes with all bodily functions depriving the child of the ability to move, to communicate and even to eat or drink. It eventually interferes with their breathing and heart rate resulting in the child's death.

"There are quite a few New Zealand children going through this so I have been in touch with some of the mothers and we are hoping to start a foundation that would raise funds towards research to find a cure.

"There are lots of similar foundations in the US, UK and Australia but none that we are aware of here in New Zealand, and we really think it would be great if we can work together and help increase awareness of DIPG and fund some research to help find a cure."

Preparation for the event has involved plenty of walking on their beef and sheep farm at Sherenden (just west of Hastings).

"I do a lot of walking anyway, mainly around our farm, so I am used to walking, but I will ease into things with the half in Hawke's Bay. I have been walking five times a week for an hour to an hour and a half, I am hoping that prepares me well enough but I will step up before the event with some longer distances."

"Life is too short to put things off, it is always something I wanted to do but never got around to," Heidi said.

Heidi won't be doing it alone, with about four friends joining her in either the 10km or half marathon, while her husband, Michael, and their 8-year-old daughter, Charlotte, will be supporting her on the day.

She plans to attempt the Queenstown Marathon later in the year, or return for the full marathon in Hawke's Bay next year.

"This has taught me that you have to make the most of any and all opportunities that come your way and don't put things off. Marcus taught us to make the most of every day and every opportunity. That's why I'm entering this event."

The Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon will be held in Hawke's Bay on May 13.

For more information visit: www.hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz