Brenda's Fundraising Page

Going for gold - ready for the next challenge.

The finish of the Toi's Challenge last year.

Taupo Relay 2007

Bronze medal in Tough Guy and Gal 2010

Recently my workmate told me of her son's friend who had died of a heart attack at the age of 39! That's 2 years younger than me. This guy went to college with my husband! What a wake up call for him and he is now starting to eat healthier and exercise. It's a start but every day 16 New Zealanders still die as a result of coronary heart disease. That's one person every 90 minutes. And many of these deaths are premature and preventable.

The nature of who is affected by it is changing. New research shows that young adults in their 20s and 30s are being admitted to hospital for heart attacks more than ever before, and that this age group is dying at a faster rate than people of the same age in previous generations. Much of this change is due to unhealthy lifestyles - poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and being a smoker.

But the good news is that many risk factors for heart disease are preventable, if people make healthy lifestyle choices.

So, help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support the Heart Foundation. By donating through my webpage you will be helping the Heart Foundation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

I'll do all the hard work (train for and complete the event), but I really need you to make a difference to the hearts of New Zealanders.

So, please could you sponsor me?

Select the "Make a donation" button below. It's simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundation's bank account. If you don't have a credit card, I have a sponsor form that can be filled in - just let me know.

If you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

So please help me today! And pass it on to your family and friends!

Many thanks for your support.