One more sleep until all the talk is done and the walk has begun. I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their donations and support for this great cause, heart health, as it can affect anybody at any age at anytime. It is non discriminatory and the outcome can be devastating to everyone involved. By supporting the Heart Foundation challenge these outcomes can be mitigated by the intervention of professionals armed with the equipment your donations pay for and which is crucial in saving lives every day. I appreciate and love you all for entrusting me with your hard earned money and having faith in me completeing my challenge.👌💪♥️♥️☺️

Hello Everyone, My name Is Iris and 4 Years ago In May I had Multiple Heart Attacks. It was a huge Challenge for Me and My Family. I was In Christchurch Hospital for one week and had a Stent put In. It took awhile to Recover and to navigate my life. I'm a Survivor. I'm Thankful to be alive ♥️

My why is my family and their health and well-being both physically and mentally. Their Wairua. Photo of my grandparents RIL!!!

I Dedicate My Marathon to My Love, My Mama & My Koro. They all have heart conditions & I know raising funds will help support not only them but other kiwis dealing with heart problems. Wish everyone the very best

May will be my 2nd Anniversary since i had my SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) at the age of 50. SCAD predominately affects younger woman. I'm walking another 100km this year to help raise money for Heart Research. I also want to thank the team at Dunedin Hospital for their cardiac rehab programme and The Phoenix Club who helped me get back to my "new normal".

In honour of my mother who, if it wasn't for the heart surgeons she wouldn't be here. Very grateful. A wonderful way to give back and support the Heart Foundation ❤

In honour of my loved ones with heart condition, I dedicate the month of may to them❤️ I’ll be completing 100kms (walk/run) throughout the month as well as fundraise towards the campaign.

Dedicating my effort in memory of family members who have crossed over due to heart problems.Respect....

I'm walking 42km in May in honor of my dear friends I have lost over the years. The youngest was 36, and he had only just married the love of his life. I need to work on my own fitness and this is such a worthy cause.

An expression of sharing love to one another by walking, it inspired me dwelling a simply walking all our problems. Hardships and endeavor in order to survive and redeem life.

I lost my grandfather to heart disease when I was 15, waiting for a bypass operation. Given the advances in cardiac care since, this wouldn't happen now.... Having recently returned to walking and fitness I have now discovered arrythmias of my own, and am awaiting investigations. Every step will help mine and future generations, every step will improve my fitness and wellbeing.......and finally this way, I am being held accountable!!

It's my mum's birthday month. I would like to dedicate this to her.

Last week, I found myself unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. Throughout the day, I underwent numerous tests — chest X-rays, ECGs, and CT scans. Late into the night, I was moved to a ward, which I soon realized was dedicated to patients with heart disease. Those few sleepless hours, lying there surrounded by the quiet hum of machines and the weight of uncertainty, were some of the most frightening I’ve ever experienced. I later found out that the only reason I was placed in that ward was simply because no other bed was available. But in those hours, the fear felt very real. That night taught me something valuable — the fear, anxiety, and loneliness that people with heart conditions must feel every single day. It opened my heart to a deep sense of empathy. The moral of my story is simple: I now understand how overwhelming that journey can be, and I want to remind anyone facing it — you are not alone. I stand with you, ready to offer support, encouragement, and hope.

Next week I start mymarthon journey to raise funds for heart foundation . I'm excited to do this for my own health but to also raise funds for a charity very near to my heart. My dad who had a heart attack last year November and I'm so very grateful and thankful he is still with us today❤️

I walked 42 kilometers in honor of those we’ve lost to heart disease, and for those still fighting. Every step was a tribute to their strength, a call for awareness, and a plea to save more lives. This marathon wasn’t just about the distance—it was about making a difference.Let’s keep supporting heart health, spreading love, and remembering why every heartbeat matters. For the Heart Foundation. For hope. For life.

I walked 42 kilometers in honor of those we’ve lost to heart disease, and for those still fighting. Every step was a tribute to their strength, a call for awareness, and a plea to save more lives. This marathon wasn’t just about the distance—it was about making a difference.Let’s keep supporting heart health, spreading love, and remembering why every heartbeat matters. For the Heart Foundation. For hope. For life.

I was diagnosed at 49 with severe mitral valve disease , in 2012 I had open heart surgery to repair the valve ( result of Rheumatic fever as a child . Without the wonder care , surgery, nursing staff , ICU , heart unit involved i would not be here , I just want to give something back to an organization that helped me survive ❤️

I am walking 60km because l absolutely love walking and am inspired to do so. To be still fit enough is a blessing I do not take for granted. To be able to give something back to raise funds for heart research is a terribly important catalyst for me. As a united body we can unite in this common goal.

Why i am participating in this heart foundation event is in memory of our grandma. Nana Mori. She had heart complications when she passed away. All the invites to this marathon is family either grand children great grand children and her great greats . So in memory of her and the strong wahine she was.this is a dedication for the love laughter crys and memorys

I’m taking part to support our son George who experienced several complications with his heart at the age of 19 years old. George underwent pulmonary isolation treatment in Christchurch Hospital last year and is back enjoying his life again. I will swim 42km during the month of May. Our team is made up of George, myself and my husband Kevin who will run 100km in May.

Support my challenge to save Kiwi hearts This May, I’m taking part in MyMarathon to raise funds for heart research that will help save lives. Every 90 minutes, a person dies of heart disease. It's the single biggest killer in New Zealand, and I want to do something to support the thousands of Kiwis whose lives are impacted by this disease every single day. My father and nany of my friends have heart issues and the work this charity does deserves every kind of support possible to assist these people, and all others in their situation, in their life threatening battles. Please make a donation to support my challenge and help save Kiwi hearts. Due to the fantastic support I am getting from so many awesome people, and the challenge starting 1st May until the 31st May,, I am going to now do as many kms as I possibly can with a minimum of 100km+ and fundraising $1000+. Cheers and love to you all Together, we can win the race against heart disease.

Next week I start mymarthon journey to raise funds for heart foundation. This is my first time attending such task and already feeling the positive vibe.

I have a heart condition which is being well managed by my cardiologist, I am sure in part due to the work of the Heart Foundation. But I am also working towards improved strength and fitness after a chemo battle with cancer. So I am going to SWIM the 42km over May. This is going to be a big challenge for me, but I am up for it.

Next week I start mymarthon journey to raise funds for heart foundation . I'm exciting to do this for own health but to raise funds for charity and I have a dad who has had 3 heart attacks so I'm very grateful and thankful he is still with us today .

This May, I am walking in memory of my dear late husband, Stephen, who was taken from us at the age of 34 due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2008. This walk symbolises my commitment to honoring his beautiful legacy, nurturing my health, and embracing a long, meaningful life for the sake of our two cherished boys.

I walk almost every day around Hamilton Lake and I see so many people doing their thing to become fitter. I know some of those lovely smiley walkers are out there doing it to improve their health after a scary heart moment. Every dollar I add is important.

I am doing this because I nearly lost my young brother about 12 years ago with a massive heart attack I watched him in a coma for many days the family was called in for a discussion about his condition not knowing if we were going to loose him or not but thanks to modern medicine he is still with us and some machine he has that monitors his heart 24 7 he has been given a second chance he still and always will be monitored for the rest of his life but he is still here with us and enjoying life.

I am doing this for a charity very close to my heart, due to previous family experiences

I am incredibly blessed to work for the Heart Foundation in a role that allows me to engage with my community around heart health as a Heart Health Promoter. It is a real privilege to have people share the stories of their own heart health journey or the impacts on their wider whānau of heart disease. I hope that we are making a difference for future generations and my own whānau has benefited from the advances we have seen over the last few years. Sadly, I lost my Dad suddenly 25 years ago to a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was such a fantastic grandad to my nephew and niece, and while he got to meet my future wife, he never had the chance to meet my beautiful children . My Mum has had two mitral valve replacements and last year was fitted with a pacemaker but is still going strong at 87. She is loving following the adventures of my children as they head out into the world on their adventures. My why is for everyone to have as much time with their whānau as possible. There is so much we learn from different generations and so much joy for all. That’s what will be driving me on during May ❤️

For my mum, who has dedicated her heart and life to her loved ones, her heart is now too tired. She used to walk, hike and climb, but now she cannot.

My daughter is my "Why", I want to live long enough to watch her grow and build a life with a whānau of her own.... As a regular visitor to the hospital, I'm heavily dependent on the resources provided by The Heart Foundation so I was compelled to give back and by giving back to The Heart Foundation, I'm also extending my quality time with my daughter....

I lost my dear mum in March of this year, she was in heart failure for 14 years and after complications of other illnesses her heart could no longer function. I miss her everyday and she has left behind 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Every step is in honour of my mum and her beautiful heart and spirit.

My why is to give back to the heart foundation and help the cardiologists train to help others. To thank them and to continue to live a healthier lifestyle for me. I survived a heart attack i am the why we can help others for awareness ❤️

Iam taking this challenge in memories of my Dad who passed away with Heart attack. I miss him 😢 alot and I want to make difference in saving the lives of Kiwi Hearts 💕

I think we all know someone who has been affected by Heart disease. This is the reason I have chosen to walk 42 kms in May in support of the Heart Foundation.

My heart skipped a beat (or two) 6 months ago. But for my brothers intervention and others who jumped in I would not be here to participate in this worthwhile cause. My folks call me the bionic man with my in-house ICD. My why is all those who I hold dear inspire me to live my best life and help others along the way.

My why - to support the heart foundation, to support the medic team when I needed help, for my dad who had a cardiac event in 2007 out of the blue. Here we are back in the day - in Raro ❤️

My Why All our whys are different— stories shaped by time and flame— yet somehow in the end, they echo much the same. Mine? At seventy-four, I still run, still chase the morning sun. Each step, a silent tribute, each breath, a battle won. I run for Lena— gone too soon, too bright to fade— a spirit fierce and fearless, with every stride she made. Through ups and downs she journeyed, with grace that broke the mold. That “Downs”—her extra 21— was nothing but pure gold. And so, 21km won’t do— not for a heart this full. If I run, I run with meaning. If I commit, it’s all. So meet me at the finish, where memories never tire. I’ll run the streets of Stockholm, with love and quiet fire.

My why!! In 2020 3 months before my 70th birthday I had a heart attack, one stent later you start reevaluating your life!! Thought I was fit and healthy. Walking is my go too! I try to walk an hour a day. I have congestive heart disease they say 5 to 10 years!! Im working on 10

I’m incredibly proud to work at the Heart Foundation and so love my role as Team Lead for MyMarathon. Not only do I get to witness the impact of our work firsthand, I’m constantly inspired by the amazing individuals - our MyMarathoners - who go the extra mile to raise vital funds in the fight against New Zealand’s single biggest killer. For me, this cause is deeply personal. My dad, Fred, had his first heart attack over 40 years ago and, at 94, continues to live well with heart failure. Every day I come to work, I’m reminded of how important our mission is - and I’m so grateful for the support we receive, which helps people like my dad live longer, healthier lives.

I learnt about the Heart Foundations work through a friend who had a heart condition 26 years or so ago, I made my first donation as the work they do is very important, and the values aligned with mine in improving peoples well-being and healthy eating. So my why is, that we never know when I, or someone I care about will need the expertise of these surgeons, and support of the Heart Foundation. I am walking for my health and others.

I was diagnosed with SVT, a congenital heart defect, back in 2010. Since then, I've experienced numerous tachycardia episodes during which doctors have given me adenosine to stop my heart and restart it in order to return it to normal. It has been more frequent over time, and I am currently awaiting my heart ablation procedure via the system. Thus, my "WHY" for doing this MyMarathon. After surgery, I'm hopeful everything will be alright, and MyMarathon will inspire me to keep walking in order to stay in shape.

I'm doing this to facilitate more research into heart disease

Because I've lost friends to heart attacks and I have AF. Cheers

I am my own why, I suffer from different arrhythmias and sinus node dysfunction. I have a pacemaker and in my early 40s. The journey I have been on has been real roller coaster of emotions. The work the heart foundation does to promote healthy hearts and the research that is funded from all the fund raising efforts is so important and crucial.

Last May, my dad was flown from HB down to Wellington, for emergency surgery. We were told to say our goodbyes as he was airlifted as he wouldn’t make the flight. 10and a half hour surgery 4 days coma and weeks in ICU dad had a heart, and brain aneurysm and a stroke in surgery. He is on his journey to live his new norm and has journeyed his own marathon to learn to eat, speak and walk again. My Dad is My Motivation and My Hero. Hats off to the amazing staff at Wellington Hospital ICU and Heart and Lung Unit.

Why I'm Taking Part in MyMarathon The Heart Foundation is a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart — quite literally. My journey with heart disease is deeply personal. I’ve seen both the pain it can cause and the strength that can come from fighting it. My grandfather underwent open heart surgery twice, and my father had a double bypass when I was just 10 years old. Sadly, I lost them both to heart disease. But before my dad passed, he lived to see me grow into my 20s — and even meet his first grandchild. That memory fills my heart with both gratitude and love, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever. Having witnessed the toll heart disease can take on a family, I also know firsthand the positive impact the Heart Foundation makes — from funding life-saving research to find a cure. Their work gave us more time with my dad, and I’ll always be grateful for that. So this May, I’m taking on MyMarathon to honour my grandfather and my dad, to raise awareness, and to help give other families more moments, more memories, and more heart-filled years together.

I'm walking 42km this May, in honour of those we've lost, and in hope for a future without this disease. I hope this small step contributes to the big goal: heart research to save our loved ones

A mate of mine had a heart attack at just 38. It shook us all to our core - we never expected it to happen to any of us. It kicked me into gear and I have been looking after my heart ever since. My friends and I are doing as many marathons as possible for our friend. Currently training - wanted to encourage anyone who is doing this challenge to go the extra mile to raise money to help people like my friend. You're a legend James.

I lost my mum, Julie in December last year to heart disease. Her passing left our world shattered. Heart disease doesn’t always come with warnings, and its impact can be devastating. She has 5 grandchildren who love her so so much. I'm walking 126km for my mum in MyMarathon. She was our world.

I didn’t truly understand the impact of heart disease until it happened to my dad. Thankfully he's okay but I want to raise funds in honour of those who haven't been so lucky, Love you dad xx