Beating the Track
For Brain Cancer

Kate Coatsworth is fundraising for our trust

“Last year at age 33, I was suddenly found to have a very large aggressive brain tumour. The doctors “threw the book at me” with major brain surgery and then 15 months of harsh radiation and chemo treatment. Amazingly for my type of cancer, I am well and know how lucky I am to still be here.

I have seen how people struggle to find the support and hope they need and so I really want to raise awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Support NZ. This trust started last year due to the severe lack of information and support for brain tumour patients and their families. I am setting off on a fundraising mission - doing the Te Araroa Trail with a small support team.

I am starting with Cape Reinga to Wellington between September and December this year, then early next year completing the South Island.

I hope to show others that:

There is courage to be found even in the darkest places, we can be optimistic after devastating diagnoses, it’s possible to come back and achieve amazing things and above all, there’s always hope. Also, I know I am one of the lucky ones who has been given the chance to make a difference and I don't want to waste that.

Our goal for the walk is to raise $100,000 for Brain Tumour Support NZ so they have more resources to support people and their families/whanau after a devastating diagnosis. I know from my own experience how much difference this support can make.”

~ Kate Coatsworth

There are several ways you can get involved and help Kate achieve her fundraising target

Sponsored Miniwalks

Sponsored Miniwalks are short sections of Te Araroa Trail which Kate has chosen for members of the public to walk with her and fundraise at the same time. Here is a look at the seven Sponsored Miniwalks Kate has completed so far.

How it works

1. You can fundraise as an individual or combine with family members and friends to form a Team.

2. Choose which Sponsored Miniwalk you wish to undertake and register using our online form. It’s free to register. We will send you a Beating The Track for Brain Cancer fundraising pack which you can use to collect pledges from friends and family.

3. Once you have completed your Walk and collected all your pledges, head to the Beating The Track for Brain Cancer Give-A-Little page and donate your total funds collected. The top donations will appear on the Beating The Track For Brain Cancer Leaderboard!

Arrange your own ‘virtual’ walk

If you wish to support Kate but don’t live close to Te Araroa Trail, or the timing of the Sponsored Miniwalks doesn’t suit you, feel free to arrange your own walk. You may want to walk part of Te Araroa Trail or do a ‘virtual’ walk of your choice. A virtual walk involves selecting a walk from Te Araroa Trail, such as one of the Sponsored Miniwalks, and walking the equivalent distance on a route of your choice. Upload photos of your walk to the Beating The Track For Brain Cancer Facebook page and show us the beautiful places where you live!

If you wish to choose this option, please register here and we will send you a Beating The Track For Brain Cancer fundraising pack.

South Island Walks

For those in the South Island, Kate is going to do the Te Araroa Trail in sections throughout 2021, watch this space. We are planning some epic Sponsored Miniwalks for you to join! However if you can’t wait please feel free to arrange your own sponsored walk to raise awareness and funds for us. Please register your walk here to receive your fundraising pack.

Disclaimer:

All walks will be undertaken at your own risk. Please ensure that you and everyone in your Team have the required fitness level to safely undertake the walk.