100km Oxfam Trail Walk tribute to Toni Thomson

TONI THOMSON in typical pose, getting ready for another adventure.

Sisters stepping out to show support for young mum’s outdoors lifestyle, big heart

By Grant Johnston

The Oxfam Trail Walk is a challenge in anyone’s books - but one Te Awamutu based group in this year’s event believe they will have a helping hand spurring them to the finish.

Te Awamutu sisters Janine Kiely and Michelle Russ decided to do this year’s walk in memory of their “wonderful sister and best friend” Toni Thomson, who passed away in a kayaking accident in Rotorua in May last year.

Toni left behind a husband and three young sons.

“Toni is our inspiration. She was an elite sports woman, into kayaking, mountain safety, tramping, cycling and running to name a few,” the sisters say. “She also fully supported charities such as Oxfam. She had a heart of gold and is missed every second of every day. She is an inspiration to us all, and is in an honour to do this walk in her name.”

They hope to do the 100km walk around Taupo in April in 24-30 hours.

Toni’s three boys (Oliver 7, Riley 5 and Brae 4) are very excited about the walk, and are hoping to do the last few kilometres with their aunties.

“They are also very proud of all their mum’s achievements. Toni set goals and despite obstacles that challenged her, she would achieve them. Toni loved everything about the outdoors. She advocated for the environment and would have thoroughly enjoyed completing this walk, as it combines the enjoyment of nature, the achievement of reaching goals though inner strength and the supporting of a wonderful cause,” said the sisters, who are helping to raise the three boys.

“One of our commitments to Toni at her passing was to help raise her sons with the beliefs that she had instilled in them from a young age. This walk incorporates our commitment to Toni and her children. Toni will be with us every step of the way, in our hearts and souls. We will see her in the sunrise.”

Huia O’Sullivan, Toni’s confidant and tramping buddy who shared many laughs, tears and achievements with her, will be navigator for the walk, while family friend Claire Frazer is also helping the sisters to achieve their goal.

“Our support crew is made up of family and friends. Toni’s two great friends who also inspired Toni to achieve her goals, our mum (Trish Short) who has control of six grandsons for the weekend while also preparing our food and massaging our sore feet and our very supportive partners, Andy Russ and Giles Bayley!”

Uniforms were provided by TVNZ, who Janine has links with.

If you want to sponsor this inspired group, phone Janine Kiely on 021 4572682, or email Janine.Kiely@tvnz.co.nz or check out the website www.oxfam.org.nz/events_otw08_165 or go on the Oxfam site and search for ‘See you in the Sunrise’.

Contributions go to Oxfam’s vital work in helping people in poverty stricken and developing countries become self sufficient.

Local businesses have supported raffles that the sisters are running to raise funds for the cause, donating products and services. These include, prize 1: boutique accommodation at Cooks Beach (www.thecottages.co.nz), wine for two from Shakespeares Cliff Vineyard; prize 2: Mutton for freezer; prize 3: facial voucher from La Belle Beauty Therapy, $140 voucher and product from Space Hair Design, $50 Campbell Lane, $20 Empire Expresso bar. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.