Jetting off for melanoma research

Don Chapman is better known as the designer and builder of dairies for farmers throughout the country – not for long-distance jet-sking – but that may change next month when he again takes part in the Yamaha Melanoma Foundation Ski-nZ 2016.

“I entered this event in 2014, and in spite of the physical challenges I have not been deterred from doing it again. This time it’s seven days, 650 kilometres on a jet ski. Some may think that crazy for an overweight male, approaching the gold card stage of life, but the challenge excites me,” says Don who lives in Morrinsville.

Don Chapman is planning to jet-ski 650 kilometres in seven days to raise funds for the Melanoma Foundation.

“Last time many people supported me with donations to The Melanoma Foundation and together we raised almost $19,000 towards the cause.”

Don’s motivation to take part includes the fact that melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, can rapidly spread and become life-threatening and New Zealand has the highest melanoma incidence rate in the world.

“The Melanoma foundation’s work of raising awareness of this killer disease is vital for early detection of the disease, providing the best opportunity for saving lives, as for my own.”

There is a minimum sum of tax deductible sponsorship each participant must raise to have their entry confirmed. Because Don’s entry, for a number a reasons, has been made at a late date, he has personally donated the required sponsorship money to confirm his entry, but would still like to raise as much as possible for the cause.

The 2016 Yamaha Melanoma New Zealand Ski-nZ, which begins on March 5, will be an adrenalin packed adventure on personal watercraft, travelling via some of the most amazing coastline and scenery that the northern region of the North Island has to offer.

Participants will navigate the coastline clockwise from Hokianga Harbour to Leigh via Ahipara, Cape Reinga, North Cape, Parengarenga Harbour, Mangonui, Russell and Tutukaka. A day off will be planned at Russell for optional riding or other activities. Weather permitting detours via the Poor Knights Islands, Little Barrier Island and possibly Great Barrier Island will also be planned.

On the way, riders will be taking in amazing sights and raising funds to help Melanoma NZ to prevent avoidable deaths from melanoma and support for New Zealanders affected. Participants can expect to ride to many iconic spots on the way with a like-minded group of adventurers.

“Because I want all sponsorship to go directly to the cause I will be funding the costs of taking part privately. I have also personally donated a sum equal to the minimum required fundraising to the Melanoma Foundation to confirm my entry.

"If you are able to contribute, your entire sponsorship donation is guaranteed to reach the Melanoma Foundation, to assist them in achieving their goals.”

 Don has set up a fundraising page on the net: http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/DChapman

Receipts will be issued by the Melanoma Foundation for all donations as they are tax deductible.


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