Cyclist thanked for efforts

Head student Rose Morley who has Irlens, thanks Kevin Evans for the money he raised. Photo/Supplied

In March Athenree's Kevin Evans set off on a 3000km journey to cycle the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff in 30 days.

Completing the ride was a massive personal accomplishment for Kevin — he did it to raise funds to support a Katikati group which offers eye screening at Katikati Primary school for Irlen syndrome.

Katikati Primary School invited Kevin to a thank you morning tea to show their appreciation.

Through the generosity of the community over $2000 was raised and this was matched by Apata Packhouse, making the total over $4000.

Junior school deputy principal Anne Morriss said the funds will provide overlays for children who need them as well as paying for training of Irlen assessors.

One of the school's head students, Rose Morley, who has Irlens and uses a dark blue overlay, thanked Kevin for the money he raised to put towards children with Irlens. In her speech Rose spoke of the school's ERICA values.

"By biking from one end of New Zealand to the other Kevin demonstrated ... E — EXCELLENCE — the courage to actually do this; R — RESPECT — for all those who have Irlens and putting time into helping them; I — INTEGRITY — sticking to his word and following through on his challenge; C — CITIZENSHIP — for putting effort into helping our community and A — ATTITUDE — having a good attitude the whole way through and not giving up."

Kevin spoke to the staff of how he came to know about Irlens and how he felt by cycling the length of the country to raise funds, was a way he could make a difference to children's learning and future.

WHAT IS IRLEN SYNDROME?
■Irlen syndrome is common, with 12 per cent of the population showing symptoms, and can run in families, so parents often don't notice when their children have the same symptoms. The funds raised will go to screening for all Year 3 students at Katikati Primary School and to support families with follow-up costs. An overlay coloured sheet costing $7 can make a difference.