Emma Daken into second pair of shoes in quest to set record as youngest Kiwi to walk the length of NZ for Cystic Fibrosis research

Determined Wellington student Emma Daken is into her second pair of shoes in her quest to set a record as the youngest Kiwi to walk the length of NZ – for Cystic Fibrosis research funds.

 

Daken walked out of Hastings today on the 28th day of her 2200km journey to the Bluff.

 

``I am feeling great and don’t have any injuries or problems. I’m into my second pair of shoes (size 11) and adidas are organising me another pair for when these wear out. I have local MP Chris Tremain walking with me today and conditions are ideal,’’ she said.

 

Daken has had her 20th birthday along the walk and is expected to reach the steps of parliament on December 8 to end the North Island leg of her attempt.

 

The Victoria University student is walking the 2200km 70 day walk to raise awareness and research funds for cystic fibrosis. She is scheduled to arrive in Bluff on January 9.

 

Daken has given up all her Victoria University holiday break so she can complete the arduous walk - which will be like walking a marathon most days.

 

Jucy Rentals is sponsoring Daken on her walk with a campa vehicle and a car for the whole 70 day journey. She has completed her second year of study at Victoria. Her inspiration for selecting the charity was from her contact with a very close friend who suffers from the condition. Her driver on the walk also has cystic fibrosis.

 

Cystic Fibrosis is NZ's most common life-threatening inherited condition and the Cystic Fibrosis Association is the only national organisation dedicated to all aspects of the condition.

 

Emma will be visiting many of NZ's large and small towns on her walk and she hopes to get a lot of local support for her campaign. She has created a fundraising page - http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/EmmaDaken08/ so the public can follow her walking progress.