A former elite cyclist is walking Te Araroa Trail to raise funds and awareness for gynaecological cancer. Kate Wightman, 29, was diagnosed with three different types of cancer last year. She was lucky: “My cancer was found at a stage where curability was a possibility. Many women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer don’t have that fortune,” she says.

Wightman had been getting regular smear tests for cervical cancer but had never considered the four other gynaecological cancers (ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar), for which there are currently no detection options and limited treatment options. She wants to change this.

“My hope is that, in years to come, every adult woman in New Zealand will know the signs and symptoms of these cancers – and there will be more funding to help patients.”

To turn this dream into reality, Wightman is undertaking an ‘ovary long walk’, and is using her walk to fundraise for organisations Talk Peace and GRACI Foundation.

She started walking the 3000km Te Araroa Trail, from Cape Rēinga to Bluff, on September 30 and plans to finish in February next year. It will be a massive feat, as she finished chemotherapy just eight months before starting.

“When I couldn’t perform like an athlete during chemotherapy, I began to rely on walking to keep me mentally and physically well,” she says.

“I decided I would combine my passion for exercise with my desire to drive change, and create this big challenge out of it.” 

She is inviting people to support her journey by donating to her chosen organisations, or joining her on the trail with a cheer, offering accommodation, or sponsoring a pair of hiking boots (Te Araroa hikers can wear out at least four pairs of shoes).

Wightman says she is looking forward to walking Northland’s Puketī Forest. Her dad was raised on a farm next to the forest and will be joining her for that section. She will spend her 30th birthday crossing the Travers–Sabine route in Nelson Lakes National Park – a huge milestone considering last year’s events.

What’s on Kate’s feet

Kate will be wearing a pair of Keen NXIS Evo Waterproof boots ($349) – a fastpacking boot with room-for-toes comfort, protection, stability and Keen.Dry waterproof/breathable membrane. See www.keenfootwear.co.nz