Superheroes from all over the Bay dusted off their masks and capes to answer the call from Waipuna Hospice for this year’s Superhero Walk.

Part fundraiser, part community walk, The Superhero Walk is an event that gives people not only the chance to honour and celebrate those they hold dear, but to support those facing end-of-life and bereavement in our local community through the work of Waipuna Hospice.

For four weeks local heroes fundraised for Waipuna Hospice, reaching out to their networks for support.

Then, on the 16th of March participants and community members came together at the Superhero Celebration Walk to honour and celebrate the heroes in their lives.

Attendees put on their capes and masks to walk the course starting at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui.

With an energizing superhero warm up, free goodies and prizes galore, families, friends and colleagues came together to celebrate their heroes and support their community.

Sam Uffindell and daughter Zippora. Photo supplied.

Waipuna Hospice CEO, Richard Thurlow, says they are extremely grateful to their local community who together helped raise $21,312.58.

“I must extend my utmost thanks to everyone who supported our Superhero Walk this year - whether you fundraised, walked, donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word, you are a hero in my eyes, and Waipuna Hospice couldn't do what we do in the community without you.

“So, on behalf of everyone at Waipuna Hospice, our patients, and their whānau, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Richard also says that this event wouldn’t have been possible without their super sponsors.

“The 2024 Superhero Walk wouldn’t have been possible without the team at Elliott’s Funeral Services and Mitre10 Mega Tauranga, as well as all our prize sponsors and supporters.

“We have such an incredible local business community here in the Bay of Plenty and we owe them an immense thank you.”

. The Waipuna Hospice Superhero Walk crowds. Photo supplied.

Tauranga MP, Sam Uffindell, attended the Superhero Celebration Walk and says he is proud to support the work of Waipuna Hospice.

“The Waipuna Hospice Superhero Walk was a fantastic event, raising funds and awareness for this incredible charity.

“Waipuna Hospice and their staff do an amazing job providing high quality end of life care to people in our community so they and their families can enjoy comfort and dignity when they most need it.

“My four-year-old daughter Zippora and I really enjoyed the walk and we’ll be back again next year.”

Sam Uffindell and daughter Zippora. Photo supplied.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive, Fiona McTavish, also supported Waipuna Hospice by attending the walk and fundraising for the cause.

“I am incredibly grateful to Waipuna Hospice for the care and support they have provided several Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff and their families which is why I walked on Saturday,” says Fiona.

“My personal experience is that hospice services support families in times of their greatest need.”

While that may be a wrap on the 2024 Superhero Walk, Waipuna Hospice says they are looking forward to dusting off their capes again next year and have already started planning how to make 2025 even better.

It’s not too late to support Waipuna Hospice.

The 2024 Superhero fundraising page will remain open until 9am, Monday 25th March, so visit https://2024-superhero-walk.raisely.com/donate today.