McGlashan Challenge – Kiwis Cure Battens

Thursday 18th February 2016

In 2012/2013 ‘Cure Kids’ funded a pre-clinical study on Battens disease undertaken at Otago University, this has proven to be a curative for a form of the disease.

On the shore of Lake Wanaka at the mouth of the AlbertBurn where we began the challenge.

Research teams now require significant funding to continue this research in the hope for a cure of this rare, and fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder that begins in childhood.

As New Zealanders to see fellow Kiwis on the verge of a medical break through, that could change the lives of families world wide for the better we felt it essential to help in anyway possible. As such we, Luke Jarvie, Harry Rodger and Lachlan Chittock undertook a ‘McGlashan Challenge – Kiwis Cure Battens’ in an effort to raise $10,000 for the cause.

On the 6th and 7th of February we hiked over 120km in under 18hours, traversing Mt Aspiring National park, encompassing the Albertburn, Cascade and Rees Saddles. The challenge was both physically and mentally demanding but well worth the effort as we raised in excess of $11,000 for the cause.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved with the organisation of the challenge and a special thanks to all who have donated.

At the top of Cascade saddle on day two, the second alpine crossing of the challenge