After their district cross-country event was cancelled due to Covid-19 crowd restrictions, four Kaitangata School pupils were inspired to keep on moving, while giving a little back to those in need.
Cystic Fibrosis NZ has rechristened September "SWEATember" — a new annual fundraiser that it hopes will raise more than $150,000 for the 547 Kiwis who suffer from the genetic condition.
With the help of their parents, keen runners Aniva and Summah Gouman and Tyler and Layton Kenealy decided to team up and raise funds towards that target by doing their own town-centre relay this Sunday.
The cause is one close to Kaitangata residents’ hearts, as local boy Harry Sutton was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just 3 weeks old.
The condition thickens the body’s mucosal secretions, leading to long-term complications with breathing and digestion.
Exercise was key in improving quality of life for sufferers, Harry’s mum, Tania Sutton, said.
"It’s a fitting fundraiser for cystic fibrosis, and we’re very appreciative of all SWEATember supporters, and especially these guys for what they’re doing right here in Kai."
The team had been named "Sutty’s Sweaters" in Harry’s honour, she said.
Other Kaitangata residents were conducting similar events this month, which would add to the team’s grand total.
Summah said she and her team-mates were not afraid of hard work.
Each would run about 2.5km on Sunday, supplemented by 5km apiece by adult team members Aaron Gouman and Gavin Sutton.
Harry and big sister Kyla would join the team for the final walking lap.
"It’s good for everyone to get exercise, especially cystic fibrosis people," Summah said.
"Sweating just means we’ve worked hard to help."
