Having healthy children at home motivated two Cromwell women to consider those less fortunate when they were deciding going on an epic road trip dressed in tutus and fairy wings.
Melanie Kees and Shelly Cornish will also sport pink high-vis vests as ''the Cherry Fairies'' when they embark on the upcoming $10 Queenstown Challenge for Cure Kids, saying they were determined to have ''a bit of fun''on the way.
''We're middle-aged women hitting the road from Auckland to Queenstown and I think that's hilarious,'' Mrs Kees said.
Mrs Kees (44) and Mrs Cornish (33), who each have two healthy primary school-aged children, said it was their good fortune which had prompted the March trip, which would raise money for families whose children were dealing with serious health issues.
''We feel blessed to have healthy kids,'' Mrs Cornish said.
''I couldn't imagine going through what some of these [Cure Kids] parents go through.''
She raced in the $10 Challenge two years ago but it will be Mrs Kees' first attempt.
Both said they were ''overwhelmed'' by the generosity of the Cromwell community towards their fundraising campaign.
Teams have to raise $10,000 to enter and get themselves to Auckland to the starting line; the entry fee helps Cure Kids' work.
Cure Kids events and campaigns fundraiser Nicky Sinclair said the Cromwell team was the only team south of Christchurch raising the $10,000 themselves.
They have held a quiz night and auction, a car rally and other fundraisers, as well as receiving donations from businesses and individuals. So far they have raised $8700.
All Challenge competitors are given $10 to survive on during the three-day event, with Cure Kids providing accommodation, dinners and breakfasts.
As they race from Auckland to Queenstown, competitors are largely reliant on the kindness of strangers to transport them through the country.
More information: queenstownchallenge2017.everydayhero.com/nz/shelley-and-mel
