Chickshaw Blues fundraiser in jeopardy

HELP: A Far North police officer is looking for a new team-mate to join her in an epic tuktuk trip the length of India. PHOTO/THE ADVENTURISTS RICKSHAW RUN

Plans by New Zealand's northernmost police officer to raise money for sex abuse victims by driving the length of India in a tuktuk have been dealt a serious blow.

Senior Constable Tracee Knowler of Houhora police was to have started the unusual fundraising challenge in August - but her teammate, South Auckland police Sergeant Marie Stratford, has been forced to pull out due to unexpected knee surgery.

The pair, who dubbed their venture the Chickshaw Blues, had hoped to raise $70,000 for the Miriam Centre. The money would have been used for counselling of sexual abuse victims in the Far North. Ms Knowler previously was a detective in Kaitaia, working on shocking cases such as that of paedophile James Parker.

Ms Knowler is now trying to find a new teammate or an alternative fundraising challenge she can complete on her own.

"I'm still determined to raise a hat full of money for the Miriam Centre, so as I see it I have two options: either find a new teammate or change to an event I can do on my own," she said.

"I've been scouting options and if I have to change then I'm considering a 250km foot race across the Atacama Desert in Chile at the end of September."

Anyone keen to take Ms Stratford's place could contact Ms Knowler via the Houhora police or Chickshaw Blues Facebook pages.

It was, however, a major commitment in terms of time and money, she said. Potential teammates would have to be able to pay their own way, because all money raised would go to the cause.

They could be male or female but had to be keen and committed to the cause, with a good sense of humour. Skill in fixing small motors would be a plus.

"I'm still hoping people will dig deep into their pockets and support the venture, whatever it turns out to be," Ms Knowler said.