Mykal Pongi
When his son spent the first few weeks of his life in hospital after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, Mykal learnt the hard way that heart disease affects all ages.
To raise awareness that heart disease can happen to anyone, Mykal and his son took on the MyMarathon challenge. Together they conquered 130kms and raised over $600!
“People see the good that you’re doing and they want to help. It’s so important to give it a go because heart disease could happen to anyone. By raising funds, you could help find whatever is needed – new treatments, training, that sort of thing – to help others living with heart disease.”
Dale Bailey
After losing his father incredibly prematurely to heart disease, Dale has been aware of its impact for almost his entire life. However, it was still shock when, in his late 50s, he got the news that he needed a heart valve replacement.…
“Heart disease has had a massive impact on my family,” he says. “I’ve had it, I lost my father to it, and other family members have been diagnosed as well.”
Getting active after a heart event can feel incredibly daunting, but Dale used MyMarathon to motivate him while raising funds for a cause that’s close to his heart.
Last year he smashed his target and completed 192kms while raising $1,166 throughout May.“I really recommend getting involved. It’s a fun time. The raising public awareness, the sense of achievement, watching the progress of others – it's very encouraging and you can see all the work you’re doing to make a difference.”
Elliot Cunningham
When Elliot was young he lost his grandfather to a heart attack.
Now 18, he saw the MyMarathon challenge as an opportunity to honour his grandad’s memory along with the thousands of other New Zealanders who are affected by heart disease every year.
So he made the commitment to run 250km (over 5 marathons!) during May.“It was a steep goal, but I did it!” he says.“It was a shock to see how willing people were to get behind my cause. My school even got involved by hosting a non-uniform day and raising $800 for my fundraiser. It was overwhelming, and just crazy to see how good people can be.”
He enjoyed taking part in MyMarathon so much that he’s returning for another year – this time rallying a group to join him on his journey.
“I really recommend getting involved. It’s a great kaupapa. It has a lot of meaning, and it also helps keep people fit,”
