1411 days ago

Former Pukekohe Golf Club manager taking on 770km for the Mental Health Foundation

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2503 votes
1 day ago

Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists

Carolyn from Thames

Our genealogy adventures begin with us and what we know. Learn how to take the research journey back in time with like-minded people. Come along to the Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists monthly meeting, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. All welcome.

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3 days ago

Purple Poppy Day Saturday 21st February

Carolyn from Thames

Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is delighted to be working with Thames RSA to hold our town’s first Purple Poppy Day on 21st February. Purple Poppy day is held throughout the Commonwealth to honour the animals that served and died during WWI and WWII and continue to serve in current conflicts.
Our inaugural Purple Poppy Day features creatures from glowworms and pigeons to camels and elephants.
The competition on the day, PEOPLE AND PETS WEAR PURPLE and/or KHAKI is a fun way to get involved, with lots of neat prizes.

PEOPLE AND PETS WEAR PURPLE and/or KHAKI will be held weather permitting. All other activities will take place inside the museum is the weather isn’t so good.

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