The Mitre 10 Mega MEGA WALK is back for 2018. Now in its 11th year, it raises essential funds for Canteen, who do amazing things for young people living with cancer and their families in Hawke's Bay. We met one of those Incredible people, Rhianna. This is her story, this is why we walk. Visit megawalk.co.nz for more details on this incredible event. There really is a walk for all abilities and ages.
The funds raised from registrations and sponsorship have been given to CanTeen since 2011.
"This is our eighth year with CanTeen and they're just a fantastic organisation to work with," Mr Ricketts said.
The team at Mitre 10 Mega wanted to support a charity that received no government funding and where funds would be kept in Hawke's Bay, he said, and CanTeen fit the bill.
The Mega Walk has been getting bigger and better since the first event in 2008, he added.
"The number of entrants has grown every year."
Last year's turnout was the highest to date, with close to 1200 participants.
The distance between Hastings and Napier is ideal because it is only slightly longer than a half-marathon.
The first Mega Walk in 2008, attracted 450 people.
Mitre 10 Mega advertising and events co-ordinator Pip George said this year's event had already attracted plenty of attention on social media.
Some special events were planned at the finish line to celebrate the 11th anniversary, including live music and face painting for kids.
Mr Ricketts said his main role in the event was to ensure "everything goes smoothly on the day", and sometimes there were last-minute issues. "You never know quite what the weather will do."
This is a social event now in its 11th year, designed to get people out for a walk along the Rotary Pathway. There are 4 events to cater to all fitness levels and physical abilities.
We have a varied array of participants from the very young to the young at heart and the finely tuned athletes to those with physical challenges who have inspired us and shown great determination in completing the event.
All proceeds raised go to CanTeen Hawke's Bay.
All proceeds raised go to CanTeen's Hawke's Bay branch and are put towards the wonderful support activities, vital services and programmes they provide for young people 13-24 years old living with cancer, either their own or that of a close family member. In the last 11 years, we have been supporting CanTeen with this event and we have raised over $145,000.
Every day, cancer disrupts the lives of 10 more young people. When cancer derails a life, CanTeen develops a young person's resilience and confidence to get their life back on track, from one-to-one support, peer support to therapeutic and educational programmes.
But life shouldn't stop with a diagnosis of cancer; CanTeen stands beside young people from the day of diagnosis to long past remission. As the only New Zealand organisation supporting young people living with cancer in their lives CanTeen has been standing alongside them for the past 30 years.
