I'm taking part in the Pink Ribbon Walks for the nine women diagnosed with breast cancer each day in New Zealand.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Kiwi women. One in nine will be diagnosed at some point in their lives, and every year, we lose around 650 women in Aotearoa to this disease.

For me, it became more than just a statistic when I lost a good friend to cancer. Her passing was sudden, heartbreaking, and left a space that can never truly be filled. She was someone full of life, with so much more to give and losing her made me realise just how important it is to show up, to speak out, and to support those going through this journey.

That’s why I have decided to take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk this year. It’s my way of honouring her memory, standing with others who have been affected, and doing something small that can lead to something bigger  hope, progress, and change.

I also believe it’s important that our children grow up seeing compassion in action. Supporting others, even when we don’t know them personally, teaches empathy, kindness, and community values that matter now more than ever.

By donating, you’re helping fund life-saving education, support for patients and their families, and vital research that brings us closer to a future without breast cancer.

Every step I walk is for her, for every woman and whānau facing this fight, and for a future where no one has to lose someone they love too soon.

If you’re able to support, even in a small way, it would mean the world.