08/09/2026
At 76 years young, Helen is taking on the Burpee Challenge as one of our incredible ambassadors.
Having been through chemo and cancer rehabilitation programmes, Helen shares a little of her personal story and motivation to take on the challenge.
“One of the regular activities I enjoyed before my cancer journey began, was to have regular walks. Sometimes with Maddie our miniature Schnauzer, friends or on my own.
The chemo knocked my energy, I lost my appetite and subsequently a lot of weight and I became bald. I was not coping, was quite depressed and teary which just wasn’t the usual ‘me’.
As a positive and outgoing personality, I wasn’t prepared for how chemotherapy would affect my daily life. So, imagine my delight that three months on from my last chemo infusion, my hair is growing, my weight is increasing, I am socialising and absolutely enjoying Pilates and regular walks. Family, friends and belonging to various organisations are what makes ‘getting up each day’ a pleasure.
I am so happy to share my story, if it helps even one other person.
Roll on the Burpee Challenge!”
Feeling inspired? Sign up at www.burpeechallenge.org.nz
