Mini trip sisters' way of saying thanks

Four sisters will pack into a Mini in March to drive the length of New Zealand raising funds and awareness for the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Foundation as a thank you for what the organisation has meant for their family.

Sarah Hemsley, who lives in Midhirst on a lifestyle property with partner Allan Brady, says in 2010 their family received the devastating news that her younger sister, Naomi, had Hodgkin's lymphoma.

For a year we watched Noogs (Naomi) endure what no newly married, 30-year-old should have to. Throughout Noog's fight with this disease we encountered a massive amount of support, love and prayers from everyone and for that we will be forever grateful."

Sarah, who moved from Whangarei to Midhirst two years ago, says the news knocked them over, as they had no history of cancer in the family.

The Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Foundation was an amazing support to Noogs and our family. Now, with a year of remission under her belt and a beautiful miracle baby boy, we are honoured to be able to give back to the LBC.

Sarah, with sisters Naomi (31), Miriam (28) and Hannah (23) will undertake the epic six-day journey over Easter with 52 other Minis and an old cop car, travelling from Kaitaia to Bluff, tracing the routes shown in the iconic Kiwi movie Goodbye Pork Pie.

We will be fundraising all the way. Our goal is $100,000. So please donate and help support this great cause, which is very close to our hearts. Basically we are asking for fundraising for the Blood Leukaemia Foundation to give back a little to them, as they have been an amazing support to our family.

This will be the third run of the Porkpie Mini Run, an initiative started by Sarah's parents. It is the first time all four sisters will participate.

We will be using Naomi's Mini. Naomi, having a baby, will probably do it in stages.

Sarah, who works as a regulatory service administrator at the South Taranaki District Council, says it would be wonderful to also have local support.

Their route will take them via Auckland and Taupo through Wanganui to Wellington, on to Picton, Kaikoura and Greymouth and then to Alexandra and Dunedin, to finish on April 3 in Invercargill. For more information or to support their cause, see www.porkpie.co.nz.