As a former Starship kid and now part of the Starship Foundation team, I’m taking on the month-long fitness challenge, Kilometres for Kids, to give back to the place that helped shape my life.

My Starship journey began at just 5 years old. From countless nights in the emergency room for severe asthma attacks, to being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 11, and later hospitalised for pneumonia at 14 - Starship was always there. Even now, as an adult, I vividly remember the incredible nurses who supported my family and helped us navigate what my body was going through.

Looking back, I realise how fortunate we were to have access to this amazing care. What I faced feels mild compared to what many families across Aotearoa endure every day. As a parent who recently experienced the relief of leaving after just one night of observation, my heart goes out to those whose children aren’t as lucky.

That’s why I need your help. Your donation will keep Starship’s National Air Ambulance flying - bringing life-saving specialised care to critically ill and injured children across the country. It’s the only flying Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Aotearoa, on call 24/7, ready to take off within minutes with a specialist flight crew.

Please donate today to help save the lives of Kiwi kids. Every kilometre I run is for them - and every dollar you give makes a difference.