Albany students partake in charity walk

Four international Massey University students are partaking in the annual 100km Oxfam Trailwalker on the 23rd and 24th of March in Whakatāne.

The Albany based team is made up of four walkers; Johnny Apmann (Germany), Benjy Larcher (New Caledonia), Kitty Appleby (England) and Ellie Carr (Scotland).

The time Oxfam allows for walkers is 36 hours, but the team are hoping to beat this goal, by completing the walk in 24.

The team began training for the challenge and Carr said, “I didn’t know how far 100 km was before I said yes.”

There are 252 different teams competing in this year’s walk, which features terrain ranging from beaches to hill tracks.

With part of the team spending the summer in the South Island and doing a lot of hiking, they are confident and excited to be competing in the walk.

“I think it’s a good way to see New Zealand and a good way to help the environment as well as raising money for a great cause,” said Kitty.

Benjy said the walk is an interesting challenge.

“Though I’ve spent four years in New Zealand, I’ve never done a challenging walk like this.”

The students will also have the aid of their support team, who will be meeting them at five different checkpoints throughout the course to replenish their food and water.

Each team competing in the Trailwalker has a theme; this group of students have chosen the environment as their theme.

They have chosen to name their team ‘The Litter Pickers,’ and will pick up any litter they find on their walk.

Members of the team attempted to reach out to companies for sponsorship for the teams, however did not receive any responses.

The team has met their goal of $2,000 for fundraising mainly through the help of family and friends.

They have surpassed the goal with an impressive total of $2,615.

“We want to thank all our family and friends for supporting us,” said Kitty.

The team are continuing to fundraise through fundraising page and appreciate all donations given.

You can donate at https://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/the-litter-pickers.