About the Campaign
The Permobil NZ Spinal Trust Team for 2021 is made up of Dominic, Hayden, Brendon and Hans. All of us L-O-V-E cycling, so coming together as a team and taking part in the Tour of NZ 2021 is a no-brainer …especially as it gives us a chance to raise money for NZST. Luckily we all get on well so travelling from stage to stage in a van, and sharing rooms (… may be even beds!) is something we can cope with – it’s certainly worth it to raise funds for a cause we all really care about. We’ll keep updates coming through on here while we’re training, and as the Tour progresses. Last time NZST had a team in TONZ we raised $8,500 … we want to smash through $10k this year! A bold target, but we’re feeling positive – with your backing anything’s possible 🙂 These guys are vying for the ‘Fundraising Yellow Jersey’ so if you’re making a donation to support a particular rider, please mention their name in your comments 🙂
Introducing The Team
Introducing … Hans!
Actually, this guy probably doesn’t need much introduction. He says he is the luckiest guy to work with an amazing national team supporting positive futures for those affected by spinal cord impairment.
“Two of the great loves in my life (there are 6!) are the NZST and cycling. To ride and raise awareness and funds for NZST is a real treat. 550ks? Our cause is worth getting saddle rash for any day of the year.”
He’s possibly also a tad cray-cray … this will be his second TONZ to raise funds for NZST! Hans brings an incredible passion to this team – he’s our one man cheer squad! (And he cooks up a mean pasta …. yum!)
Introducing … Hayden!
Hayden is riding with our team for two reasons:
- He works at Permobil NZ and since they’re sponsoring the team … they’re excited one of their own has volunteered
- He’s a good bugger and genuinely wanted to support NZST
There might be a 3rd … he could be completely mad! 😜 He says he’s not really been on a bike since completing the Taupo Iron Man 7 years ago! 😮
“I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to ride alongside the incredible NZST team. I will be pulling on inspiration I see in our clients as motivation for this challenge and hopefully do them and the team proud.”
You might recognise Hayden from our Wheelie Good Tips video on manual chairs – he really does help us out … bet he never thought it would lead up hill and down dale though! 🤣
Introducing … Brendon
Brendon is a physiotherapist at Burwood and works with patients from the spinal unit. He’s a past Coast 2 Coast winner and a phenomenal athlete!
“I have the pleasure of working alongside the NZST team and see first-hand the remarkable work they do. I am honoured to be able to ride with the Permobil NZST Team and share another passion (cycling) with them, whilst raising awareness and funds for their amazing cause.”
We’re lucky to have Brendon with us on this Tour as his young family is due to expand … a huge ‘thank you’ to his wife for allowing us to borrow him so close to due date! 😍
Introducing … Dominic!
Nationally competitive mountain biker Dominic is the engine room of this team – they don’t call him ‘Dom Diesel’ for nothing!
“It’s great I am able to ride with the Spinal Trust team. I have seen first hand the fantastic work and support they provide. I love my cycling and that I can help the Spinal Trust with profile and fundraising dollars.”
We’re really grateful to Dom, not only for riding with us, but providing the van so we can give our legs a break between stages! He’s also the go-to guy for a decent snack on our training rides – all round good bugger 🙂
If you’d like to give to support Dominic’s efforts, please mention him in your donation comments 🙂