The only relay that really matters in 2018

On February 12th, 2018 Andrew Eadon-Jones embarks on Leg 1 of the Cape Reinga to Bluff Relay’ish. Leg 1 is an epic seven marathon’s in 7 days from Cape Reinga, and he reaches Russell in the Bay of Islands on the 18th February. Andrew will be running his way south down the ninety-mile beach to Ahipara then make his way east to Russell. Andrew will also be visiting several schools on his way down raising awareness and money for Variety- the Children’s Charity. Variety does great work for the 1 in 4 New Zealand kids who live in poverty.

Andrew said, “that the idea of running a relay across New Zealand for Variety - the children’s charity came to him after being inspired by the trail running legend Mal Law and his epic 50 Mountain Peaks in 50 days for the Mental Health Foundation New Zealand.” Andrew went on to say “I came from a family who knew relative poverty in the UK. Both my parents are deaf, and my mother is blind ever since I can remember. My father was a milkman and grew vegetables in the garden, and my mother stayed at home, where either my three siblings or I cared for them. There was lots of hand me down clothes and shoes. Sometimes the shoes didn’t fit. I remember playing rugby at school in boots that were so small they hurt and made me cry. Most school trips were far too costly, and I only went on two. My parents had to save hard for me to go on them. Putting food on the table was difficult, and paying bills was a constant struggle. By supporting Variety-the children’s charity, I feel like I am giving back to the community which is hugely valuable to me and I will also make a real difference to those kids who live in poverty in New Zealand.”

Variety says “1 in 4 Kiwi kids are going without the basics that many people take for granted. This has a profound impact on their health, education and self-esteem. We provide disadvantaged children with basic essentials (such as warm bedding and school uniforms), one-off grants for additional needs (such as medical and mobility equipment) and access to extra-curricular activities (such as school camps and swimming lessons). Our programmes include Variety Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, Bikes for Kids, Laptops for Learning, Scholarship Opportunities, Grants, Kiwi Next Generation, and Emergency Appeals.”

The country has been broken down into manageable relay legs to either run or walk from Cape Reinga (the most northerly point on the North Island) through rural and urban centres of New Zealand all the way to Bluff (the most southerly point on the South Island). The relay is visiting some schools to raise awareness for Variety and child poverty in New Zealand.

Each Leg of the relay shall have a project lead. We currently have 12 awesome confirmed relay leads and need another 19. You can join us by going to the Cape Reinga to Bluff Relay’ish website at www.world-relay.com.

Each project lead may even get other runners and/or walkers as is safe to do so to join in the event, and raise donations for Variety- the children's charity. You can also donate at
www.everydayhero.co.nz/event/capereingatobluff

#NZrelayish

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