RNZAF Joins Fundraising Safari
By FLTLT Andy Hill, Air Staff
Royal New Zealand Air Force Flight Lieutenant Andy Hill recently raised $2,500 for the New Zealand Cancer Society, during the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari. The event was designed to be the coldest, longest, hardest, most gruelling and uncomfortable test of endurance on a city scooter ever seen in this country—all to raise money and awareness for cancer sufferers. Riders participated to show their support for the hardship those living with cancer go through during their treatment. FLTLT Hill recounts the event.
Over 230 brave riders buzzed out of Christchurch—mostly on tiny 50cc scooters—bound for the Southern Alps on 29 May 2010. Their goal was to cross the Alps via Arthur’s Pass, make the 252 km trip to Hokitika, and to raise as much money as possible for the New Zealand Cancer Society.
We left at 0800 hours in overcast and ominous looking weather conditions. However, festive costumes brightened the day, with costumes ranging from gorillas to flying nuns. Bikes were also ‘dressed’, with the most spectacular and amusing being a full-size Superman giving a ‘flying push’ to the rear carrier!
Superhuman support
The climb up and over Porter’s Pass was a significant test for the small machines, with some riders forced to get off and push their ‘steeds’ up the steeper slopes. The gutsiest participant had to be the guy on a standard 26” mountain bike fitted with a tiny 49cc auxiliary motor!
The weather held back long enough for us to reach Arthur’s Pass—the heavy snow clouds sitting above us reminding us how lucky we were. From there, the weather cleared into a beautiful West Coast afternoon. With a final regroup and refuel at Kumara Racecourse, we charged triumphantly towards the final destination—Hokitika.
Finally, 10 hours after starting in Christchurch, more than 200 surviving scooters buzzed and beeped their way into Hokitika to be warmly welcomed by Mayor Maureen Pugh, local representatives of the Westland District Council, and members of the Cancer Society.
Event organisers were thrilled at the total raised—$125,123.65—and are proud to advise that all of the money goes directly to the Cancer Society. I challenge more RNZAF riders to participate in the next Safari and raise even more money for this worthy cause.
Background
The Scooter Safari was created and organised by Jayne and Mike Rattray of Christchurch after learning that a young friend, colleague and ex-RNZAF Aircraft Technician—and personal friend of FLTLT Hill—had developed bowel cancer. They wanted to do something to thank the Cancer Society for the help that it had provided him, from the time of diagnosis through to his treatment and recovery.