Hundreds of people take part in the Rotorua Pink Walk organised by the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust. Video / Kelly Makiha
When Anastasia Rickard was a little girl, her great-grand aunt gave her a butterfly pendant just before she died from breast cancer.
It was that moment and that necklace that inspired the now 34-year-old Rotorua accessory designer to make her own pink and black butterfly costume to wear at tonight’s Pink Walk in Rotorua, a fundraiser organised by the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust.
Hundreds of people dressed in pink costumes came together for the annual event, which started at the Village Green and saw registered participants walk a 3.4km loop of the city’s newly developed lakefront and the Government Gardens.
Rotorua designer Anastasia Rickard wearing a dress she made with a butterfly theme to remind her of her great-grand aunt who died of breast cancer. Photo / Laura Smith
Last year’s event raised $12,000 for the trust and it is hoped this year’s tally, which should be known in a couple of days, will top that.
For Rickard, it was a time to be part of the event and remember her great-grand aunt.
“The pendant is what’s inspired me to create this look so I can feel closer to her and all the people who have passed away from breast cancer.”
Image 1 of 25: A group from the Makoha Rest Home at the Pink Walk on Wednesday. Photo / Laura Smith
First back from the walk was Christine Tomasevich who rounded off her estimated eighth Pink Walk.
With 15 Rotorua Marathons under her belt, it was no surprise she sailed in under the inflatable pink arches as the first walker home – earning herself a spot prize for her effort.
Christine Tomasevich was first to finish the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust‘s Pink Walk. Photo / Laura Smith
Alongside husband Mati, the Tamasevichs said they liked to take part in the walk to remember Mati’s sister, who died in 2011 from breast cancer.
Ngongotahā volunteer firefighter Lance Taylor completed the walk in his full self-contained breathing apparatus.
As he ripped off his mask at the finish line, the hot and bothered volunteer of 24 years managed to tell the Rotorua Daily Post he chose to do the walk in his full suit because it doubled as a good cardio workout.
Firefighter Lance Taylor at the finish line of the Pink Walk. Photo / Laura Smith
For the women who are part of the commercial team at Rotorua’s Red Stag, taking part in the Pink Walk had become an annual outing for at least the past five years.
Karen Rangihuna, along with colleagues Shelley Fleming, Rebecca Manahi, Sue Norris and Anupama Vashishth, said it was a fantastic event to take part in.
“At this time of year we like to think we work at Pink Stag,” Rangihuna said.
The Hits announcer Paul Hickey said it was a fantastic turnout for a wonderful event.
The Hits Rotorua host Paul Hickey praised the turnout for the annual fundraiser. Photo / Laura Smith
“It’s an event I haven’t been involved with for a few years so it was extra special to be part of it again with the trust. We were able to share some special memories and moments with those who took part.”
Trust chairwoman Gayle Rattigan said all funds raised remained in Rotorua and helped those going through breast cancer in many different ways, including support groups.
“Sometimes it could simply be helping them with petrol to get to their next appointment or even just with food,” she said.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
