I am aiming to cycle 3,000 kms from the top to the bottom of NZ to raise awareness for ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) - a complex, debilitating and poorly understood post viral condition.

At its most extreme this is a truly awful illness.  Over the past few years I’ve watched one of my daughter’s closest friends (and a dear friend of mine) deteriorate to the point that she has now been in hospital for 18 months, in constant severe pain, unable to sit up or roll over, confined to a dark and soundproof hospital bed 24 hours a day.  

It has been devastating seeing her robbed of her teenage years, missing out on all the experiences a teenager should be enjoying – compounded by the fact that there is very limited understanding of the cause of her illness and more importantly what the prospects to recovery look like. 

Dr Anna Brooks is an Auckland based immunologist who is doing some world leading research into ME/CFS and its relationship with Long Covid, a post-viral condition that is gaining a lot of attention and which has very similar symptoms as ME/CFS.  Check out these links to find out more about Dr Brooks' important work in this area:

• RNZ - Similarities between long-haul Covid and ME Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018824790/similarities-between-long-haul-covid-and-me-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-new-research)
• RNZ - Is Long Covid a new type of chronic fatigue syndrome? (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-need-to-know/456714/is-long-covid-a-new-type-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome)
• NZ Herald - New variant threatens to leave more kiwis exposed to Long Covid 
  (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-new-variant-threatens-to-leave-more-kiwis-exposed-to-long-covid/UKLY4RONUA4TFINOPK35HKWOH4/

My target is to raise $15,000 for Dr Brooks' research, or $5 for every km on the way from Cape Reinga to Bluff. I’m aiming to complete the trip in around 25 days, but expect a few twists and turns.  

Please help us support Dr Brooks' research to better understand this insidious illness.  100% of all donations will go towards Dr Brooks’ research fund and are tax deductible in NZ.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support – and wish
me luck!