My Progress
I'm walking 84 km for Kiwi hearts this May.
I've raised
$3,425
I've moved
211KM
My Target
84KM
My heart attack changed my life
On Thursday, 16 April 2026, I had a heart attack — and my whole world changed.
I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing medical staff in Taupō and Waikato Hospitals who took care of me. Their skill and support made all the difference and I don't think they wanted a growling from my mum.
At 40 years old, I considered myself relatively fit and healthy. Heart problems were never on my radar. Since then, I’ve learned just how common this really is — far more than most of us realise.
This experience has given me a second chance. I want to use it to support others who may find themselves in the same situation. That’s why I’m taking part in the Heart Foundation Marathon this year..
Thank you all for the support have received, hopefully others can get the same from this fundraiser.
Don
My Achievements
Returning MyMarathoner
My Pledge for Kiwi Hearts
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First Donation Received
Raised $90 Heart Healer
Raised $230 Heart Helper
Raised $470 Heart Protector
Raised $900 Heart Hero
Met $ goal
Logged First KM
Halfway to KM Goal
Reached KM Goal
Thank you to my sponsors
$500
Maker Build
$500
Lake Fm
Don you've been such an awesome supporter of our local radio station, very happy to support this cause! Hopefully we can twist your arm and get you in for a chat on the radio about your marathon.
$116.73
Jo & Liam Rowlands
Inspirational legend!
$116.73
Jasmin Rakei
So proud of you. Love you Babes
$116.73
Bindi And Keri
$116.05
Kaydon Rakei
$106.12
Shaun & Tristy Vadnjal
You and your family are truly inspiring mate. Health is wealth, and it’s great to see you have both. Wishing you continued happiness and good days ahead. I look forward to sharing a cuppa with you one day. Long overdue.
$100
Renz And Co
You got this Kaydon! Hope your recovery is speedy and you are back to a hundy + fifty soon as x
$65.39
Steve Bain
Well done Kaydon
$65.39
The Mingers
$65.39
Ross
Ohjhh Jason mamoa
$65.39
Kalgoorlie Whanau
Chur Cuz, Im no doctor but i feel your heart is having to beat extra hard to keep supplying sustenance to your beard haha lots of aroha always
$65.39
Hemi R
You got this !!!
$65.39
Tony And Suzanne
Well done Kaydon
$65.39
Ange
You are your whanau are strength personified. Kia kaha my beautiful friends.
$63.95
Dafydd W
Kia Kaha 🫶💪 You'll crush this goal 💯
$63.30
Brian & Lou M
$63.30
Sach
Nice mahi the Don!!
$63.30
Chainsaw And Sandy Mccullough
Was shocked when I heard. Recover well chum
$63.30
Jededech
One step at a time my dear friend. Love your son, Jededech. 💘💘💘💘
$54.84
Dave
$54.84
Warren And Lynne
Glad you have pulled through. We're thinking of you. Love Warren and Lynne
$54.84
Brent & Elle
Good on ya Kaydon!
$54.84
Sarah & Greg
You have smashed your goals!! Such an achievement ❤️
$54.84
Lis And Aaron
Love you guys!! Happy to be walking companion any time too xxxx
$54.84
Brendan And Melissa
$54.84
Mands And Kris Wilson
We got you! ❤️
$54.84
Smits Whanau
So good! We are Super Duper proud of you ❤️
$54.84
Lisa Laity
Incredible work Don - you’re a weapon! Thinking of you guys and so glad you’re ok. Big love, Jono & Lisa Laity
$52.75
Aleisha Lawrence
You got this!! From Stu and Aleisha ♥️
$50
Don Rakei
$42.20
Frank N Kids
$33.87
Fi
Good luck Kaydon
$33.87
Raewyn
$33.87
Lucy
So proud of you
$33.87
Duanne
Shot my bro
$31.65
Belinda Carr
Supporting this cause with you. Means a lot. Hope you keep getting stronger every day.
$31.65
Netball Nan
Amazing whanau..bring it on
$29.96
Vicki
You absolutely smashed it bro. Congratulations.
$23.50
Anna Brealey
Good job
$23.50
Derek
$21.10
Debbie Rakei
$21.10
Anonymous
$21.10
Jane
Amazing person, and family, always seeing the silver lining in a situation and giving to others
You are a legend mate - hoping you are on the mend! From the Team @ Maker Build x