Northcross Intermediate teacher Sam Hayden, and friend Calum are embarking on a 42 km coast-to-coast adventure to raise funds for the Graeme Dingle Foundation. On Saturday 16 November, the pair will begin at sunrise on Long Bay Beach and finish at sunset on Muriwai Beach aiming to raise $100 for every kilometre.
Both Sam and Calum have navigated mental health challenges including burnout, depression, and anxiety. Exercise, which they previously didn’t prioritise, has become an integral part of their lives. They’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of physical activity, such as improved mood, better interactions with their kids, family, and friends, increased work efficiency, and reduced anxiety. They aim to step out of their comfort zones to inspire others to dream big, highlight the importance of connection, and promote healthy habits through exercise.
The duo has been preparing to run 10 km comfortably and stopping at each kilometre to complete part of their 240-callisthenics routine.
“We’ll continue to build up our stamina with longer walks and runs in the coming weeks while integrating these workouts into our daily routines,” says Sam.
Family and friends have been supportive and encouraging of the challenge, reminding Sam and Calum to train, sleep, and eat well so that they are prepared and can enjoy the experience without getting injured.
This will be the first time Sam participates in a fundraising event/challenge. Previously, he had doubts that people would donate and that he may not reach his fundraising goals. This apprehension held him back for two years. However, this time, the fundraising goal is about overcoming those fears and using them as opportunities to add value and make a positive impact on others.
“Although fundraising is daunting, the outcome is the potential to empower children in New Zealand with tools to overcome their own fears and succeed in life through the Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes supported by the money we raise,” says Sam.
Sam’s 42 km coast-to-coast challenge exemplifies the core values of the Graeme Dingle Foundation, which aims to empower young people to overcome life’s obstacles. Just as Sam and Calum are confronting their own challenges and pushing through personal barriers, the Foundation’s programmes are designed to equip youth with resilience and self-belief empowering them to realise potential.
Reaching the finish line at Muriwai Beach will be an unforgettable milestone for the pair.
“For us, it’s about personal growth and helping others throughout this journey, which has no real finish line. However, crossing that line will be a moment of joy and reflection—a culmination of insanely cool memories, while knowing that this adventure has connected us with so many people and pushed our limits, ultimately boosting our confidence and inspiring others to climb those awaiting mountains.”
Your donation helps create brighter futures. For every $1 invested in our programmes, $10.50 is returned to New Zealand’s economy*. All funds raised will support young people in Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes.
Support Sam and Calum’s 42 km challenge here.