Dad's epic paddle for daughter's new kidney

A Whangamata family are turning to their love of paddling to help raise funds to support their daughter who needs a kidney transplant.

Mikassa Cornwall, known as Kass, was diagnosed with kidney disease four years ago, but after trying to fight the disease she is now starting dialysis and the search is on for a donor.

Her parents Cindy and Kraig, who own personal training gym Taking Care of Fitness on Aickin Rd, are organising Paddle For Kass, a 24-hour waka ama paddle on their daughter's 25th birthday.

The paddle will be a 4km loop off Takapuna beach, where the family used to live and developed their love of waka ama. They have lived in Whangamata since August, choosing the town because it's where Kraig's mother and brother already live.

"She's got no quality of life. We're trying to get the word out for donors and also to fundraise so we can support her," said Mr Cornwall.

Kass has spent the past 18 months in London on her OE. She'd been managing her condition under specialist supervision, but she worsened and had to cut her trip short.

Today Kass will travel to Waikato Hospital with her mum for an overnight stay and to start dialysis treatment. It will be at least a six-month wait to find out if any of the family or their friends are a match for her.

New World Whangamata has got behind the Cornwalls and have a raffle in store so customers can support them. Mr Cornwall is also hoping for people to join him on the water as he trains for the challenge - especially for night-time paddlers.

Paddle For Kass will involve a range of craft. From 8am on April 25 to 8am April 26 Mr Cornwall will spend 1 hour 45 minutes on the water before returning to shore for a 15 minute break to eat, drink, shower or swap boats. His two sons, Grayson and Roman, will join him in the W6. Their other daughter Sakima will also be there.

To support the Cornwall family visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/paddleforkass# or follow them on www.facebook.com/PaddleforKass.