Tackling the Palmerston North Arapuke Forest mountain bike track for a 24-hour ride to give back to the New Zealand Spinal Trust.
In the summer of 2019, Central District Senior Constable Mark Glentworth’s son Jayden (then aged 15), had a mountain biking accident at the Arapuke track which resulted in him becoming a T12 paraplegic.
For the Glentworth family this set in motion an uphill journey, especially for Jayden, but Mark says the Trust was a beacon in their time of need.
“During some of our most challenging and darkest days at the Burwood Spinal Unit in Christchurch, the New Zealand Spinal Trust was incredibly supportive of our family and friends,” says Mark.
“Jayden, now 17, lives very differently but retained his heart for adventure and an increased zest for life. In the early days, this was very much due to the support and generosity of the Trust.
“A spinal cord injury can occur in many ways and can happen to anyone, and the Trust helps you navigate the enormity of change to lifestyle.
“They get in beside you and help with everything from medical issues to dealing with mobility, ACC, wheelchairs and vehicles, such as an adaptable mountain bike.
“It’s harder to leave the spinal unit than to arrive. Going home you see the challenges of living with a spinal cord injury and the Trust steps up incredibly.”
The Trust relies solely on donations and grants and Mark and Jayden wanted to give back, so they came up with the idea to do the physically challenging ride to raise much-appreciated funds and awareness for the Trust.
On Waitangi Day (Sunday 6 February 2022) Mark and Jayden, along with their friends Detective Sergeant Andy Livingstone, Senior Constable Chris Fraser, Brenton Wallace, and Dave Rhodes-Robinson, will ride the track in three teams of two, taking turns an hour at a time.
The ride starts at midday on 6 February and finishes midday the next day. In total, each team member will ride eight hours individually. The Trust's CEO, Hans Wouters, is also attending to support the team.
“Everyone is really pumped about doing this for the Trust and they are also deeply grateful for the support,” says Mark.
“We would also love for people to come out on the day and support us and learn about the Trust.
“All the money raised will go towards the Trust who continue to do amazing mahi to support people with spinal injuries to live life to the fullest – just like Jayden.”