We all have heroes in our lives. The ones that hold a special place in our hearts and are there for you through thick and thin.

The Waipuna Hospice Superhero Walk came about as a way to honour and celebrate them, both the ones who still walk with us and those who live in our hearts and memories.

It is also a vital way to help Waipuna Hospice raise crucial funds to help care for the terminally ill and bereaved in our community.

“This is not a normal walk. It's a walk with meaning. A walk with purpose,” says Waipuna Hospice fundraising executive, Wayne Bloxham.

“Over the past four years of this annual event, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and cheering on numerous incredible superheroes who emerged to raise funds for Waipuna Hospice, making a significant impact in supporting the terminally ill and bereaved in our community.

“Many of these people had never fundraised before, and their achievements are incredible.

“I can’t wait to be part of this again in 2024, and work alongside our fantastic community once more.”

2023 Superhero Walk Group shot - Pilot Bay. Photos supplied.

Registrations opened on January 29, kicking off a fundraising period from February 19 to March 15.

Participants are supported by Waipuna Hospice and encouraged to raise as much as possible before March 15.

On March 16, participants come together with their friends and families to walk together at the Superhero Celebration Walk at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui.

“Last year Waipuna Hospice faced an annual funding shortfall that seemed almost impossible to achieve.

“Fortunately, due to incredible community support, by the end of the financial year we managed to claw this shortfall back to a tiny fraction of what it was.

“Allowing Waipuna Hospice to continue to deliver the best possible high-quality care, at no cost to our patients and their families.

“The Superhero Walk serves to raise these vital funds and provide end-of-life care and support in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, while celebrating the heroes in our lives.”

Participants can personalize their fundraising efforts, setting goals ranging from $100 to $2000 and beyond.

The creativity in fundraising is unlimited - whether running, baking, swimming, mowing lawns, or even pledging to give up daily comforts.

Every contribution goes a long way in supporting the essential work of Waipuna Hospice.

Debra McLean, who raised $8880 for Waipuna Hospice by walking for 24 hours and asking her community for donations, shared, "I fundraised for Waipuna Hospice because of the incredible care they showed my late husband when he was dying, and for the support they gave me and my children."

The Superhero Walk culminates in a grand celebration on March 16 at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui.

Participants are encouraged to don superhero costumes and come together as a community to honour, remember, and celebrate their real-life heroes.

"We take immense pride in providing our community with a platform that not only contributes to our care but also cherishes and celebrates their beloved heroes - whether it's a mother, grandfather, sister, doctor, a cherished friend, or someone else entirely" expresses Waipuna Hospice CEO, Richard Thurlow.

2021 Superhero Walk Participants - Coronation Park. Photos supplied.

"Year after year, we witness a beautiful convergence of people joining together to honour those who hold a special place in their hearts, and we feel privileged to be a part of that journey.

“Participants often bring their heroes along, creating lasting memories together, or they pay tribute to those who have passed by carrying a photo.

“Regardless of who your hero is, we extend a warm invitation to be part of this extraordinary event and to enjoy the experience along the way."

Mandy Lowe, a Waipuna Hospice patient, expressed gratitude, saying, "To me, the team at Waipuna Hospice are like earth angels.

“Their care isn’t just for the pain, and it’s not just about death.

“It’s an essential cog in the wheel of our community.

“We need Waipuna Hospice and they need us because it would be a horrible world without them in it."

“Join us in taking the first step toward helping the terminally ill and bereaved by signing up for the 2024 Superhero Walk,” says Wayne.

“Set your fundraising goal, rally your friends and whānau, and make a difference.

“Let's walk with meaning, fundraise with purpose, and celebrate our heroes in style.”

For more information and to register, visit https://2024-superhero-walk.raisely.com/

Or, email events@waipunahospice.org.nz or call (07) 552 4380 ext. 211.