Father inspires Kuraia to continue his journey

Anton Kuraia will continue with his walk to Wellington following the death of his father. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Completing his 809km walk has taken on extra importance for Whangarei's Anton Kuraia with the death of his father.

Turi Kuraia, who was battling cancer, passed away last Friday just as Anton was planning the next stage of his journey south from Cambridge.

Read more about Anton's journey here.

"My dad had endured lymphoma, lung and brain cancer since the middle of last year. I knew that he was struggling, but hoped that he would see me finish my Walk for Hope to Wellington," said Anton.

It's not all fun and games - check out more of Anton's experience here.

Anton visited his father during the Auckland phase of his walk. "The last time I saw Dad he looked better than he had previously. I think he did a good job of not letting me know how much pain he was in."

Anton's charity walk is an arresting sight - click here for more.

His father had hoped to make it out of hospital to see Anton on the road and was prepped for the outing but became too sick to be moved. Turi Kuraia, 62, had had chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A service to celebrate his life was to be held today at Mangere Lawn Cemetery.

"I've shed a few tears and no doubt there will be some more. Making it to Wellington will be very emotional," Anton said

He left Whangarei on February 1 to raise awareness and money for fighting cancer naturally.