Starting 25th January 2026 I’ll be riding the Kopiko Aotearoa Trail – from East Cape to Cape Egmont … over 1,000 kms!
I’m taking on this adventure to raise money for NZST in gratitude for the support I’ve received.
I had a tumour surgically removed from inside my spinal cord in 2022. Something before, during or after surgery affected my spinal cord and I ended up in Burwood Spinal Unit for close to four months while managing bowel bladder and mobility problems. I was discharged from Burwood in a wheelchair and now I’m able to walk without aids…that’s the condensed version!
With the Spinal Cord Impairment (SCI) comes a multitude of side effects – neuropathic pain, fatigue, proprioception, numbness, frustration, mobility problems, to name a few. I really appreciate the walking SCI Zoom gatherings that NZST initiated … it’s like putting on a thick comfortable cardigan, in that informally we can sit in the comfort of our own home and talk with like minded souls about the challenges and solutions that we face on a daily basis.
While everyone is unique, we are usually sharing the same frustrations and any ideas we can get to lessen our day-to-day battles are gratefully received.
My body is a little different now, but with ongoing rehab and exercise, I know my Kopiko Adventure is an achievable goal.
