Perry Newburn had a goal that before he turned 50 he would run a marathon. Today, at 56, Perry has completed 30 marathons, 8 ultra marathons and 3 one hundred mile (160km) events.
Perry has another goal and that is to raise at least $10,000 for the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake appeal by running from Auckland to Christchurch. This 1,000 kilometre journey begins this Saturday 12 March from Aotea Square in Auckland's CBD at 8:00am.
"I felt so helpless after hearing about the devastating earthquake in Christchurch," explains Perry. "Then I thought about what I could do to help and realised that I could run and raise money at the same time."
And run indeed! Perry will run approximately 70 kilometres per day – every day from Saturday 12 March to Saturday 26 March. You too can run along side Perry or make a donation by visiting www.perrysrunforchristchurch.co.nz
Perry grew up in Cashmere where his 81 year old mother still lives. Although Mrs Newburn is currently in Fielding, she will return to Christchurch next week.
Asked why someone would take annual leave to accomplish such a challenging task, Perry responds with, "I grew up in Christchurch and I just had to do something to help."
