Auckland Woman to Walk to Queenstown for RideforLife

Aucklander Rebekah Torckler is about to set out on an epic journey, walking from Auckland to Queenstown in an effort to raise funds for the work of RideForLife who provide activities for children from low decile schools in the Auckland region.

Rebekah puts her reason to walk and support for the distance succinctly, “RideForLifeNZ because she believes in what they aim to do. And I wish I’d been given an opportunity like this when I was younger.”

Coming from a troubled background, Rebekah knows too well how having support and activities in the community can change the outlook youngsters have on their lives.

Rebekah’s formative years were set amongst a seen of drugs and alcohol abuse. Her family was transient and had a number of violent episodes; including her mothers’ partner being stabbed several times and the family going into ‘hiding’.

Quick to point out that the alcohol, drugs and violence were only part of the problem; she feels her own life may have turned out differently had she had the opportunity to take part in fun activities typical of other kiwi kids.

Rebekah was first captivated by the outdoors when she took when she was 17. She started an outdoor recreation, conservation course where she found a sense of peace and happiness in nature. And being physical she says she got to enjoy something she should have been able to enjoy when she was young growing up.

Rebekah says “The course gave me the strength to become a better person, and over time I have forgiven my past. This is why I would love to do my walk for this cause, people really don’t know how hard some of these kids may have it they get beaten and see some things they shouldn’t have to.

“It’s amazing what impact the work of RideforLife could do have for just that one kid who may be in a similar situation as I was; to take them out of their life that may be hard and give them a few hours just to be a kid enjoy and laugh like a kid

“To me this is just a good way for me to start, I would love to get even closer to do as much as I can for these kids.”

Rebekah will set out on her walk from Downtown Auckland on 16th August and aims to reach Queenstown ten weeks later, walking an average of 30kms a day.

You can support Rebekah by making a donation on the RideforLifeNZ FundraiseOnline page.