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THE NEWS Goodbye to Maqymseahe Ninces Owen McCabe stops for a break at a Kiwi landmark. Supporting children and their families, and adults, with Cerebral Palsy, kept Owen McCabe motivated as he cycled from Morrinsville to Wellington. After riding 600km, and raising more than $7500 for the Cerebral Palsy Society in the process, Owen McCabe is planning his next challenge. In September 2021 the 69-year- old insurance broker from Morrinsville, who has a very close family member living with Cerebral Palsy, rode from his home town to Wellington. The trip was a combination of a five-year dream to cycle the journey, and an opportunity to support children and their families, and adults, with Cerebral Palsy who often face “massive day to day commitments”. “With our close family link, I became more informed about what families face,” says Owen, who first picked up cycling when he was a teen. “The Cerebral Riding 600km for CP families BYMELANIE LOUDEN Thank you and farewell Palsy Society provides awesome assistance to these families.” His training regime for last year’s 600km ride involved cycling a total of 10,000km over 11 months, much of it in winter conditions. When Owen’s challenge got under way on September 20, he was given a great send- off – complete with placards and balloons – by his work colleagues at Vercoe Insurance Brokers, local business people and cycling friends. “I was quite relaxed, surprisingly – I felt quite confident I could last the distance so long as no crashes or unexpected events occurred like a Covid lockdown or really bad weather.” Owen was joined by three other riders at various stages, and says there were a number of highlights, including the scenery, to keep him motivated. “We stopped for coffee at Whakamaru and met a number of people, one family had a child who has Cerebral Palsy and they encouraged me to complete the challenge. “Another lady at the Lake Taupo waterfront donated the money she had for a coffee – she said it was better spent supporting the Cerebral Palsy Society than her having a coffee, so that was a nice gesture.” Owen had a goal to raise $5000, but by the time he finished fundraising, the total was $7538. “That was amazing – I am so grateful to every one of those donors that were so generous.” Cerebral Palsy Society General Manager Clare Williams says Owen’s fundraising efforts are very much appreciated by members, board and staff. The CPS team is saying “thanks for everything” to Maqymseahe Ninces - Member Support and Programme Coordinator, who has resigned. Maqymseahe joined the team in June 2019, and has held a number of roles, including Youth Alliance Secretariat and Communications Assistant. During her time as an employee Maqymseahe has been a great source of knowledge and information. She has a real passion for advocating for people with disabilities. We wish Maqymseahe all the best for the future – we know she will go well, and go far. “What a wonderful thing to do – we’re grateful for your commitment and dedication which has helped raise the profile of Cerebral Palsy, and the Society,” Clare says. Owen says it was very rewarding to be able to do the ride as a fundraiser. “I’d love to do it again - I will have to work on what that challenge will be!” JAN–APR 2022 THE REVIEW | 7