Riding on in gruelling fundraiser challenge

An exhausted Callum Knox with the Kaikoura Ranges in the background. Photo/supplied

After three days of tough slog, former Bay lifeguard Callum Knox has arrived in the North Island having begun a gruelling cycling journey in honour of a brave Papamoa boy who lost his battle to cancer earlier this year.

On Saturday, Mr Knox began cycling more than 950 kilometres from Christchurch to Tauranga to help raise money for the Harrison Mundy Scholarship Trust - a new award given to the local Cadet Lifeguard of the Year.

Yesterday, Mr Knox completed the South Island leg of his trip and spoke to the Bay of Plenty Times while waiting for the Ferry to take him from Picton to Wellington.

"We've made it 345km so far," he said.

"It's going pretty well."

Mr Knox, who achieved the highest honour for surf lifeguards with the Advanced Lifeguard Award, said he believed some of his biggest challenges were behind him.

Mr Knox cycled 186km from Christchurch to Cheviot on the first day and another 115km towards Blenheim the second day.

"[Sunday] was pretty frustrating. Because I had a medium-sized headwind against me I was travelling at half the speed I would have liked. What should have taken five to six hours instead took eight hours," he said.

Mr Knox has also suffered from a small calf strain but it appeared to be easing.
"The cause is a lot bigger than me. I just need to keep remember why I'm doing it."

Harrison was only 11 when he died after a battle with cancer.

Harrison Mundy. Photo/file

Mr Knox knows the Mundy family well and wanted to raise money to help him and his family. After Harrison's death, he and the family decided on a trust fund that would help young surf lifesaving stars reach their dreams.

The Mundy family has been involved with surf lifesaving for years and lifesaving was something Harrison was particularly fond of.

Mr Knox is being shadowed by his father as his support crew, who helps switch the road bike to a mountain bike when the hills become too much.

Mr Knox expected to arrive in Papamoa on Saturday where he will be joined by other riders who will ride alongside Mr Knox as he cycles his last leg of his journey to Mount Maunganui Surf Club.

More than $2000 has already been raised. If anyone would like to contribute to the cause they can do so via www.givealittle.co.nz webpage titled Riding Home for Harrison.