It was a fitting way to end the North Island leg of Kate Coatsworth’s epic mission to raise funds and awareness for brain tumour patients in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Following successful miniwalks in Whanganui and Palmerston North, Kate and her Beating the Track for Brain Cancer team arrived for the start of Miniwalk Wellington to be greeted by the Minister of Health, Hon. Andrew Little, and around a hundred enthusiastic supporters. Even Wellington’s weather played its part by putting on a brilliantly fine day for the walkers.

Miniwalk Wellington, a 9 kilometre trek from the Mt Victoria Lookout to Shorland Park in Island Bay, rounded off 104 days and 1695 kilometres of walking, biking and paddling down the Te Araroa Trail for Kate and the team. Crossing the finish line with mum Moira close behind, emotions were running high as she was embraced by dad, Ian, and Brain Tumour Support NZ chair, Mandy Bathan. Her dedicated team members Stan, Fiona, Shaun, Sam and Luke were there by her side.

Minister Little, who also completed the 9 kilometre walk, paid tribute to Kate in his closing ceremony address. Mandy presented Kate with a bespoke pottery mug from Nelson artist Martha Blanche Sidonie (which Kate immediately asked if she could fill with coffee!) while the remainder of the walk team each received certificates. Also in attendance were the Associate Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Ayesha Verrall, MP for Rongotai Paul Eagle, members of the Brain Tumour Support NZ board and oncologists from the Capital and Coast DHB.

However it was Kate’s supporters who made up the majority of the crowd, many of whom had been tracking her progress since she departed Cape Reinga on 7 September. Some were sponsored walkers, raising valuable funds for the Beating The Track For Brain Cancer campaign. Some were walking for the memory of a loved one who had been lost to brain cancer.

Miniwalk Wellington was a coming together for the brain tumour community. Over the two hour walk, patients, their families and friends, doctors, researchers and politicians walked together to support the cause and to celebrate Kate’s outstanding achievement. As everyone gathered to enjoy some well earned refreshments at the finish, stories were shared, contacts were made and new friendships were forged. The afternoon sun shone brightly and there was an overwhelming feeling of positivity and hope.

It was a beautiful end to a very special day.