Maggie Barry Trades a Rake and a Shovel for Running Shoes
Mercy
Hospice Auckland will be reaping the benefits of Maggie Barry's
quest to get fitter as she takes to the bays to walk with the Mercy
Hospice Auckland team in the Round the Bays 2009. She will be joined
by her 11 year old son Joe and she's encouraging other parents to
bring their children along.
"It would great to have a big crowd of us on the 15 March sending a positive message about keeping fit and healthy while earning much needed funds for Mercy Hospice Auckland."
Recently named as the Patron of Hospice New Zealand, Maggie is better known for her gardening prowess than her enthusiasm for exercise. Five years ago the self-confessed late bloomer when it came to physical activity changed her mind about keeping fit.
"I shouted myself an 'Outward Bound' course and realised what I was capable of physically and how rejuvenating it is to have outdoor adventures. We did a four day paddle down the Wanganui river in January which was a wonderful experience and a few weeks ago I did the Tongariro crossing with Joe. Now I try and walk or do some sort activity every other day and to keep Joe interested I've introduced variety with windsurfing, rollerblading and biking to break the monotony of only doing one thing."
To date Mercy Hospice Auckland has 40 people signed up to walk or run Round the Bays including chief executive officer Jan Nichols.
"I'll definitely be there, I ran the Auckland half marathon last year and I am training to do my first marathon later this year in New York which I am very excited about."
"People are also able to support hospice by sponsoring one of the people running or walking Round the Bays on www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/TeamMercy30".
The hospice aims to raise $3,000 which will go directly towards the care of patients. Each year Mercy Hospice Auckland must raise $2 million (net) to ensure that palliative care is free of charge to more than 950 Aucklanders.