I was nearly trampled to death when I was thrown from a sulky in a celebrity trotting race at Alexandra Park. I can only remember the thunder of hooves and sirens from the ambulance.
They say adventure is the champagne of life or it may be that I find it virtually impossible to say no, even if I want to.
So on March 17 at Mt Maunganui Main Beach, I have volunteered to take part in the Child Cancer Foundation's local "fun razor", which involves having my head shaved for a very good cause.
It's not such a big deal - after all, I tell my sons that the difference between a good and bad haircut is only about two weeks. My youngest is horrified. Obviously I will be more of an embarrassment than usual.
One of the first to donate was Mark Cairns, the Port of Tauranga CEO, and even better still, he has taken up the challenge to have his head shaved too.We have both been profoundly affected by the recent passing of Wellington businessman Lloyd Morrison. Lloyd died from an aggressive form of leukaemia at the young age of 54.
No amount of money could buy his life but he was able to afford treatment in America that ultimately extended it. Whilst Mark would consider Lloyd a close friend, I met Lloyd firstly through the Change the Flag campaign. From then on we exchanged the odd email and conversed over issues on Facebook. He would always challenge with great social commentary, particularly about health issues and the state of the New Zealand economy. He was a great New Zealander who made a difference.
This has been somewhat of a catalyst but the reality is that we continue to take our own health and that of our families for granted. Seventeen years ago, we nearly lost our second son who was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia. It was only the quick action of our local GP and the care at Starship Hospital that saved Alex's life. My father died from cancer and my eldest brother has recently been diagnosed but with good prognosis.
Aside from that, as a large family including many nieces and nephews and now many great-nieces and great-nephews, we have been blessed with good health.
Do you often wonder why you are the lucky ones?
But I also believe that there for the grace of God go I. No-one knows what is around the corner and when you might need help.
So supporting the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF) is easy. Every week, on average, three children in New Zealand are diagnosed with cancer. CCF is committed to supporting children with cancer and their families, from the time of diagnosis throughout their journey of treatments and their transition back into the community.
Each year New Zealand children with cancer collectively undergo an astounding 100,000 treatments and procedures throughout their journey.
It's not easy to raise money. It's akin to selling ice to Eskimos, but here are some examples of what your money will get: Petrol vouchers to help pay for the many trips these children will take for treatment; grocery vouchers to help pay to feed the family at home and away; extra school tuition so the children can keep up with their lessons; the beads of courage given for every treatment.
These are just examples of the simple things the Child Cancer Foundation provides along with all the support services to these families.
And, to the lady who emailed me telling me that I was doing this to draw attention to myself, please feel free to volunteer to go bald for a good cause as I would be delighted to share the attention if you can raise some money too!
If you want to support me, please go to: www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/SusanDevoy
