Former Pukekohe Golf Club manager taking on 770km for the Mental Health Foundation
Kia ora neighbours,
Pukekohe local, Ian Litchfield, is planning on the walk of his life across the famous Camino de Santiago in May.
Litchfield, a former general manager of the Pukekohe Golf Club, is planning to walk 770km, from the Pyrenees Mountains to Spain in just 77 days.
In doing so, he wants to raise $50,000 for the Mental Health Foundation, saying its work is close to his heart, having experienced Post Traumatic Stress and watching his friends and family go through various struggles too, he said.
“You’ve got to clear past issues from your mind, achieve the balance one seeks for the present and then plan for the future,” he said.
“That’s what I’ll be doing on the walk: week by week, reviewing what I’ve done and preparing for the next part as well as for my future when I get home.”
Litchfield, 71, will do his walk with just 10kg on his back, plus two pairs of hiking shoes to support him on his journey.
He’ll start in Gallipoli at the end of April, where his grandfather fought during WWI, then travel to France to begin Camino de Santiago pilgrimage from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountain range through to Spain.
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St James, is among the most important Christian pilgrimage paths and was first walked in the ninth century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hundreds of walkers visit it annually, and villages along the route host pilgrims and hikers alike in accommodation on their way.
To support Litchfield and contribute to the Mental Health Foundation, visit his fundraiser online.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
-
36% I prefer booking online whenever possible
-
22.6% Online booking is helpful but not essential
-
36.8% I prefer calling the clinic
-
4.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
-
31.4% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
67.1% No, I enjoy it
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
-
76.4% Inside!
-
23.6% On top!
Loading…
