Raewyn Hardy's Fundraising Page

I have made the decision to become a heart racer because my mother died at the age of 64 from a heart attack. She had smoked for many years and her arteries were filled with nicotine. She didn't live to see her grandchildren grow up or see her grand-daughter Olivia who she would have loved dearly.

Even though I have never smoked and have kept myself reasonably fit I am classed as an at risk person because my mother died from heart disease.

I want to make a difference by encouraging others to live healthier lives. If we all endeavour to encourage change to one person's life it will make a difference.

Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke & blood vessel disease) is the single leading cause of death in New Zealand. It causes 40 percent of all deaths annually in our country - making it more deadly than all forms of cancer.

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 National Heart Foundation of New Zealand.

Due to the short time frame for training I will be completing the 5km section on this occasion.

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 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