A 3000km hike spanning the length of New Zealand is the formidable challenge facing Phoebe Hastings and her friend, Ross, to raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice.
Phoebe’s father, Chris, from Bishopston, received incredible care from the hospice in July 2023 before he died.
The Te Araroa trail runs from the North to the South Island and, starting this November, Phoebe and Ross expect it to take around five months to complete.
Phoebe, 25, who recently graduated from Glasgow University, said: “Ross and I have been friends since our first semester of university and throughout my Dad’s illness and since his death, he has been such an incredible support to me. After Ross graduated he moved away to Australia, where he was inspired by a friend he’d met who had completed the Te Araroa trail.
“When Ross suggested we attempted this together, it became a real motivator and focus at an extremely difficult time. The trip is to fundraise for SPH for the amazing care they provide, but also as an opportunity for some healing – a reminder to enjoy life while you can. My Dad always lived his life to the fullest and, at the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s a way to honour that.
“What we expect from the trek is lots of blisters! Both of us are aware of what a huge challenge this will be as we have never done anything like this before. We are both outdoorsy people and love camping and hiking. To train we are both hitting the gym a lot and going out on hikes with heavy rucksacks, as well as camping trips.
“It is a little difficult to do the type of training we need because we both live and work in the city, but we are getting there. We are also hoping that this challenge will give us a bit of a reset and a boost. It’s not very often that you get an opportunity to just focus on each day and literally put one foot in front of the other.”
The route of the trip goes from Cape Reinga, on the North Island, to Bluff in the south. Walking southbound means that the weather will be warmer once on the South Island, while the flatter terrain of the North Island, with more towns to top up supplies, will ease the pair into the trek. They plan to use gps apps and the official Te Araroa website for navigation and updates.
St Peter’s Hospice community fundraising manager Sophie Cullinane said: “We’re so thankful to Ross and Phoebe who are taking on this epic challenge in memory of Phoebe’s father. Their fundraising will help support other patients and their families who need our specialist care. We lookforward to receiving updates during their challenge, and we wish them luck on their adventure!”
Phoebe and Ross would be grateful for any sponsorship for their hiking gear and have set a fundraising target of £1000. To support their expedition, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/trailblazingforchris