Emma's walk hits $20,000
Emma Daken wants to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis and she is willing to walk the length of New Zealand
to do so.
Emma, a 20-year-old student from Tawa will be walking from Waipawa to Wellington over the next week, completing the
North Island leg of her journey.
"I am really excited to be arriving in Wellington this week. The trip is going so quickly, I can't believe I'm up to day
33 already," Emma said.
She started in Cape Reinga on November 1 and after a month on the road, lots of blisters, a tummy bug, an irritable
archilles tendon and a birthday, she has her sights firmly set on finishing in Bluff, on January 9.
Emma has been hosted by mayors, politicians and celebrities and is currently being accompanied by army recruits from
Linton, marching with her in full pack.
A close friend suffers from cystic fibrosis so she has had a first hand account of what it is like to live with the
genetic condition.
She has enjoyed making new friends along the way and said the cystic fibrosis families she has met have been a great
inspiration to her.
Kate Russell, chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand said it's great to see the amount of
encouragement Emma has received so far and is calling for communities to continue to support her.
Cystic fibrosis affects more than 400 people in New Zealand, mainly children. Life for people with cystic fibrosis is
one of struggle for survival - daily and copious medication, physiotherapy and frequent hospilisation.
To make an online donation to Emma's walk for a cure please visit http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/EmmaDaken08/ or visit her online diary at http://emmadaken.blogspot.com/
ENDS