A Gusty Challenge!

Gut cancers include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, and bowel cancers. Collectively, gut cancers are the most common type of cancer in New Zealand, with 15 New Zealanders diagnosed each day. Sadly, more than half of those diagnosed will not survive beyond 5 years.

Local teacher Kim Sutton knows all too well how widespread and devastating the disease is, she has lost 4 family members to cancers of the gut. Known as someone who thrives on a challenge and having already completed 9 out of the 10 great walks, Kim intends to complete the Coast to Coast challenge and raise money for The Gut Cancer Foundation early in 2023.

The Coast to Coast challenge is held every February and is literally a race across New Zealand. Competitors bike, hike and raft 243km starting at Kumara Beach on the West Coast and over the next six days, traverse the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide and finishing on the East Coast with the finish at the Pier on New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

“With several family members having passed away from gut cancer, 'The Gut Cancer Foundation' is of great importance to me. Taking on the challenge seemed like a way to help raise awareness and provide valuable funding for an organisation that does great work. My Grandad passed away from bowel cancer when my Mum was 20 years old, so I unfortunately didn't get to meet him, since then talking to other family members, I have found out it affects many people and is not really a cancer that is talked about like it should be.” she said.

The Gut Cancer Foundation’s purpose is to fund world class, innovative research and clinical trials into the causes, treatments, prevention and detection of gut cancers. They help raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of this group of cancers. A registered charity formed in 1993 by the late Mr. Thomas P George who underwent a successful liver transplant which at the time was only available in Australia. It relies on donations and fundraising activities to provide support and research to those living with Gut Cancer which is often referred to in New Zealand as the silent killer.

“People don’t really like talking about the symptoms of what could be a gut cancer, but it is vitally important to be aware of changes to your digestive system and go to a doctor if you notice any change. It can often be thought that they only effect older generations, but young people get cancers too, and the Gut Cancer Foundation do an invaluable job in providing education around the symptoms to look for.” Says Kim.

The challenge is by no means an easy one and Kim has been underdoing a regular and intense training regime including mountain biking at Totara Park, tramping and trail running in the Hunuas, often with husband and two kids and her friend Cathy, who is also completing the challenge with her. She hopes that by the time of the challenge, her base fitness will mean that she recovers quickly at the end of each day, free of any injuries.

Kim is actively fundraising around the community and asks for your support to achieve her fundraising goal. Each competitor is required to fundraise $2000 on top of the $3250 that is required for individual entry. She has set up a page https://coast-to-coast-challenge.raisely.com/kim-sutton/ and can be contacted on kimrobo@yahoo.com or call (021) 26 55449 to discuss sponsorship and answer any questions. She is also selling mustard pickle and a mean marmalade for her cause!

“Your support to help me raise funds for Gut Cancer Foundation means a lot, no matter if it is just one jar of marmalade. I want to help New Zealanders with gut cancer to get access to new treatments faster and help with education to ensure more people understand the causes and symptoms of gut cancer so they can get help sooner. Money, I raise will help The Gut Cancer Foundation do that!”