Minis on Pork Pie charity trip

A convoy of 47 Minis made its way through Wanganui on Saturday as part of the Pork Pie Charity Run for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

More than $160,000 has been raised so far.

The Minis left Kaitaia for Invercargill on Thursday, March 28.

More than 100 Mini enthusiasts will travel 2500km over six days, while they re-enact the journey depicted in iconic New Zealand movie Goodbye Pork Pie.

The event was organised by Murray and Annie Hemsley, with their friend Rod Harris. The Hemsleys' daughter, Naomi McRae, 32, was supported by LBC, when she was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2010.

Ms McRae is now living well and has a young child. She is taking part in the Pork Pie Charity Run with her three sisters. Their team has raised more than $12,000.

Another cancer survivor, Jess Dornauf, finished treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma only a month ago.

She is travelling with friends from Dargaville.

LBC communications manager Georgie Hackett said: "We are thrilled to be the recipient charity of the Pork Pie Charity Run. It's absolutely fabulous to see people from around the country get behind this fantastic event."

Six Kiwis are diagnosed every day with a blood cancer or related condition. To donate, go to porkpie.co.nz