Rider Interview

I'm just your everyday guy who loves tinkering around in the garage, coming up with both clever and not-so-clever ideas. One Saturday afternoon, as I scrolled through Facebook Marketplace in search of potential bargains or hidden treasures, fate led me to a ride-on lawnmower sans the mowing attachment – essentially, a mini-tractor.

My daughter's partner and I decided to make a cheeky offer, thinking we could tidy it up and make a small profit by reselling it for someone to use as a lifestyle block runabout. The lady didn't respond until Sunday, offering us the mower for a mere $80 – a steal! After a quick water blast revealed it wasn't in bad shape, some fresh fuel and carburetor cleaning brought it to life, running like a charm. We were half-jokingly thinking we'd struck gold.

Inspired by years of riding motorbikes and racing cars, I recalled the exhilarating trips through the Molesworth with friends. A light bulb moment hit me – what if we rode these ride-on lawnmowers from the Molesworth to Hanmer Springs? I pitched the idea to a mate, expecting enthusiasm, but he gave me a skeptical look, questioning the idea of enduring a sore backside for hours.

His response triggered a realisation: enduring discomfort for a day pales in comparison to the challenges faced by those battling cancer and other life-altering conditions.

Personal Connection to Cancer:

About three years ago, a close friend fought and won against Throat Cancer, following his sisters' battles with Breast Cancer. Unfortunately, last year, one of my Aunties lost her battle, while another Aunty is currently fighting Breast Cancer. A work colleague and friend also faced a cancer diagnosis last year but is currently clear after treatment.

We lost another friend to cancer earlier this year, after a hard-fought battle and my father-in-law is currently battling Prostate Cancer and is currently going through treatment and is doing well which I attribute to his fantastic attitude and thirst for knowledge constantly researching anything at all to do with this horrible disease.

All very sobering to consider how many are affected by this. Not sure if I can say this but I certainly mean it “F@#$ you cancer”.

The Decision:

In the face of these personal battles, the decision was clear: let's turn our quirky lawnmower idea into a fundraiser for the Cancer Society Nelson Tasman and Nelson Tasman Hospice – two organisations close to the hearts of those affected by cancer.

Why Cancer Society and Hospice:

I've seen first-hand the incredible work and support offered by the Cancer Society and Hospice. Their teams are some of the most empathetic, caring, and selfless individuals, providing comfort and assistance during challenging times.

The Mower Challenge:

From the start, I envisioned this challenge as not just a feat of endurance but a celebration of fun and creativity. While performance modifications are off-limits, I encourage wild cosmetic changes. The goal is to turn this monumental challenge into a memorable event, raising substantial funds for these two vital organisations.

Looking Forward:

My hope is that this event's success transcends a one-time effort, becoming an annual or biannual tradition. Let's rally the community behind this unique endeavour, ensuring ongoing support for the invaluable work done by the Cancer Society and Hospice.

"F@#$ you, cancer" – let's make a difference together.