Kelly's ride raises $6k for cancer fund

COMPLETE: Kelly Shrimpton (right) finished her 31Ks in 31 Days challenge yesterday with a group ride in the Whakarewarewa Forest. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 311013BF28

For the first time in a month, Kelly Shrimpton won't be riding her bike.

Yesterday she saddled up and completed her "31Ks for 31 days" cycle journey to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand in memory of her partner Nick Bolton.

"In some ways I'm pleased, but it will be really bizarre not having to go for a ride," she said as she prepared to set off on that final ride.

"I think I'll be happy to take [today] off."

She rode with about a dozen friends, typical of the rides that have filled the month.

"It's been fantastic," she said.

"I've met some great people. I had a guy come down from Auckland. It was amazing to meet him as he had survived lymphoma and was touched by what I was doing. It's good to know I was making a difference to someone."

She decided against riding in the Whaka 100 25km event. Her legs were a bit sore that day, she admitted. Instead, she rode a 31km course that was more suited to that tiredness.

Her final fundraising tally has yet to be counted but is at least $6000.

For more information on Miss Shrimpton's ride, check out www.facebook.com/31Ksfor31Days or to donate go to www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/31Ksfor31Days.