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A Franklin police officer is set to run 111kms around a 400-metre track in Papakura next month to raise funds for Blood Cancer New Zealand and the father of a police colleague currently battling Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Scott Hansen, a keen runner, has already completed the Tarawera 110km ultramarathon in Rotorua, which took him 17 hours. But that included “big elevation,” he says, “so I’m anticipating this one might be between 12 and 14 hours.”
For this event, he’ll be wearing a weighted vest, which will add about 5-7kg to his frame.
“I’ll wear normal running gear and a police vest with two ballistic/armour plates in front and back,” he says.
Hansen’s on a full-time shift roster and says he “runs most days – probably 50km a week on average.”
The run is raising funds for Blood Cancer NZ and Hansen’s friend, Brad Maxwell Senior, who is currently undergoing treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, with all proceeds split evenly between the two causes.
“Brad Maxwell Senior is a retired Merchant Navy seaman who served on four ships and has spent much of his life giving back to others, raising thousands of dollars for charities including the Cancer Society, Brain Injury New Zealand and Mencap UK.
“As a civilian first responder, he has also assisted at car crashes, cardiac emergencies and sudden deaths, often arriving before emergency services.”
He is the father of Hansen’s close friend and colleague, Brad Maxwell Junior.
“When we need help, we phone 111. This 111 km run is my way of answering that call,” Hansen says.
“Blood Cancer NZ has provided vital support to the Maxwell family, as they have for thousands of others.
“Any donation, no matter the size, is enormously appreciated by myself, Brad, his family, and Blood Cancer NZ.”
Hansen says his mother is coming over from the United Kingdom to visit, which will coincide with the event.
“I’m going to rope her in to hanging around the track,” he says.
Hansen says he will also bring his wife to “pick up the pieces at the end,” not to mention a bunch of police colleagues who are big supporters.
“We have a lot of people who will jump in at various stages. Friends, family, colleagues.”
“Heaps of cops will come along,” he says.
“I didn’t really anticipate it would get this big this fast. But yeah, it’s cool. It’s nice. The feedback we’ve got from it is amazing.”
Hansen created a Givealittle page (Laps for Leukaemia) to support the cause, which has already raised over $4,000.
“The fundraiser doesn’t have a target but I am blown away by what it’s received so far,” he says.
Brad Maxwell Senior’s heartfelt response
Brad Maxwell senior, who lives with his wife in Papakura, has to travel to Auckland City Hospital every couple of days for blood tests and intravenous infusions.
He had a stem cell treatment on October 17 last year.
“We are now looking at the long-term life expectancy,” he says, adding that because he has been so unwell, he’s had to give up his job.
“It’s very intense.”
He says his wife has to drive him “so she’s had to give up work too.”
The pair are getting by on the pension, which they qualified for in October last year, as well as their savings and KiwiSaver.
Incredibly, Maxwell has never met Hansen but is full of tearful emotion over his plans to raise funds.
“It’s massive really, to put himself out there like this, to do 111km with his kit on for a complete stranger, that’s massive.
Maxwell plans to be at the run and says he “can’t wait to meet” Hansen.
“We do intend to go down – hopefully by then I’ve got enough strength to do a lap or two with my walking frame.
“If I can get myself around the track, I’ll be pleased.
“Every dollar raised will benefit not only myself but other people too,” Maxwell says.
“Since I became ill, the way some of my son’s colleagues have stepped up to help has been amazing. It certainly tugs at the heart – strangers out there doing so much to help.”
Supporters are welcome to attend, offer encouragement, or join for a few laps throughout the day.
The charity run will be at Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club on Ron Keat Drive, Papakura, from 6am on Saturday, February 21.
