Andrew's long walk for arthritis
Walking between 20km and 30km a day, it's no surprise Andrew McNeur is feeling a little lighter on his feet.
The arthritis sufferer from Masterton walked into Rotorua yesterday on day 30 of his 100 day journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
He has already women's asics gel black running men's asics running shoes black red shoes lost 5kg and worn out the soles of one pair of shoes. "It's lucky I'm being sponsored by the Shoe Clinic and Asics so I've got two other pairs of shoes with me."
He's walking the length of the country to raise awareness and money for Arthritis NZ an organisation he knows a lot about after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of arthritis two years ago.
He was diagnosed with "reactive arthritis" when he was 20 and a security officer in the New Zealand air force.
Caused by a viral infection, his arthritis affected most of his body, including his knees, spine, hands and feet. It was so severe, he was discharged from the air force on medical grounds within a few months, ending the career he loved.
"I joined the air force straight out of school and it was my passion," he said. "When I lost that I spent a while trying to find my feet again."
Medication helped relieve the pain associated with his arthritis which, over time, has weakened Asics Outlet in intensity.
He attended university for a while, worked in a bar, and enjoyed a year snowboarding with friends in Canada before deciding to take up his challenge.
"I had a sudden urge to return home and start walking. I had to do something to better the lives of others and help people who are not as fortunate as me."
He abruptly cut his OE short and returned home to Masterton to plan his 100 day walking challenge.
Mr McNeur and Arthritis NZ volunteers will also be collecting donations at City Focus tomorrow.
He said he was keen for the public to know that arthritis affected people of all ages. "Juvenile arthritis is a huge thing in New Zealand with one in 1000 children under 15 affected by it."
During his trip south, he stores his gear in Asics Shoes For Men a trailer which he pulls and he stays overnight with friends, family and Arthritis NZ volunteers. "When I planned this I thought I'd be staying every night in my tent but I've only spent three nights in it so far."
He plans to rest his aching joints and bones in a Rotorua hot pool before heading south to Taupo tomorrow afternoon.