Journey’s end for Anton

Northland Constable Anton Kuraia received an emotional welcome this week  at the end of his epic 31-day walk from his home station at Whangarei to the grounds of Parliament.

His aim was to raise awareness of The 809 Foundation, the charity he established to help people access the intravenous vitamin C and other natural therapies he turned to after being told aggressive blood cancer had left him just weeks to live.

On the last leg of the journey – the 24km from the Royal New Zealand Police College, Porirua, to Parliament – Anton was accompanied by a horde of wellwishers including friends, family, Police colleagues and a party of Defence reservists.

Along the route – which proved to be more than the expected 809km – Anton was joined for stretches by local people, including some who had their own battles with cancer.

“My Walk for Hope became a journey of amazing people,” he told supporters gathered at Parliament. “I’ve met some truly amazing New Zealanders along the way.”

The walk was punctuated by tragedy when Anton’s father Turi died on 14 February. Anton picked up the walk again after spending time with his family.

For more of Anton’s remarkable story and amazing journey, see the 809 Foundation Facebook page. To donate go to Givealittle.