As the sun set in Christchurch on Saturday night, lanterns lit up Hagley Park as more than 200 people prepared to walk a 5km route.
They were there for the city’s inaugural Shine for a Cure, a fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Among them were the Helem family, of Rakaia, and their supporters. Chris Helem lost his battle with leukaemia one year ago, aged 61.
His widow Colleen and their daughter Hannah and sons Jack and Max were accompanied by other family members and friends.
The Helem team of 24, the largest team participating, carried gold lanterns while wearing blue, Chris’s favourite colour.
Max said the team wanted to remember a special man who had fought so hard to stay with the family.
Hannah said it was mind blowing to raise $965, much higher than the original goal of $150.
‘‘While it was a long walk, having my friends alongside helped.’’
Colleen said the walk had been emotional, and it was hard to walk past Christchurch Hospital, a place Chris had spent time in.
Chris was originally diagnosed with myeloma and went into remission before being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Colleen said once the family decided to participate, they let family and friends know so they could make donations to their team. Any team raising over $100 was given a lantern with an LED light.
‘‘It was lovely to walk around, and as it got darker to see all the lanterns lighting up,’’ Colleen said. ‘‘It was nice to be able to do something for Chris.’’
Between Auckland and Christchurch, 120 teams took part and as of yesterday morning, $100,340 had been raised nationally.
The family are keen to do it again if the event is held next year.
