Pride of NZ: Friend's tragic loss an inspiration

Inspired by her friend, Jayde Lowe volunteers for both Youthline and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Photo / Jason Dorday

Jayde Lowe - Fundraiser of the Year

When Jayde Lowe's friend Dani lost her battle with depression, the now 25-year-old Miss Lowe initiated a marathon run "Raise For Dani" fundraising campaign through Youthline.

Jayde has been running the campaign for two years - alongside some of Dani's close friends - hoping it will support young people battling issues such as bullying and depression.

She hopes to raise awareness and let young people know they have somewhere to go and are not alone.

"Dani never asked for help," Miss Lowe said. "Obviously money can't bring my friend back but it can help someone else to not lose theirs."

When Miss Lowe, a full-time hospitality student at Auckland University of Technology and part-time hospitality worker, is not busy on the Raise For Dani campaign, she is project manager for the Make-a-Wish Foundation's Jaffa Race.

For her support and dedication to the wellbeing of young people, Miss Lowe has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award, in the fundraiser of the year category.

"Jayde is an inspirational young lady," her nominator said, adding, "she found her way to deal with the tragedy of losing her best friend in a very positive way".

Miss Lowe's primary struggle is getting young people interested.

"But we're working on changing that which is the whole point of Raise For Dani - to try and get people, younger than me, involved," she said.

"I'll be doing Raise For Dani probably for as long as I can run."

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are proudly brought to you by The New Zealand Herald, The Hits and TSB Bank.
Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
To see more stories of our wonderful nominees click here.
For more information on the awards go to the official website.