Karaka School teacher on a mission to raise funds to fight gut cancers
A Karaka School teacher who has lost at least four family members to bowel and stomach cancer is on a mission to raise money for The Gut Foundation.
Kim Sutton is preparing to bike, hike and raft 243 km from the West Coast to Christchurch in just six days, to raise $2000 for the organisation supporting people who suffer from gut cancers.
Sutton is an adventurer by nature - she has done nine of the 10 great walks and has the tenth one scheduled for December this year.
But since deciding to take on this challenge for the Gut Foundation, she’s been on a new journey, learning just how far the cancer spread throughout her family.
“My mum's dad passed away from bowel cancer when my mum was 20 years old so unfortunately didn't get to meet him,” she said.
“Through doing this fundraising and talking to family members I've found out more have been affected by it.
“It's made my connection to people who have suffered from the various gut cancers even stronger and more meaningful.”
Sutton has managed to raise $870 so far.
Gut cancers include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, and bowel cancers.
Collectively, gut cancers are the most common type of cancer in New Zealand, with more than 5,700 new cases diagnosed each year. Sadly, more than half of those diagnosed will not survive beyond 5 years.
To donate, visit: coast-to-coast-challenge.raisely.com...
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
83% Yes
-
14.4% No
-
2.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.6% Second half of November
-
43.4% 1st December
-
17.7% A week before Christmas
-
33.3% Whenever you wish
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.