Exposed to a life of instability and fear as a child, Rhys Blissett of Ashburton wants to change the world.
The 18-year-old will run from Christchurch to Timaru and back again over four days, in an event he has called 300km Run for Women’s Refuge.
He will be accompanied by a support truck and crew for the run, which started today.
It’s the second year for the event which he created. Last year it was 126km and raised a whopping $16,000 for Women’s Refuge New Zealand.
This year’s bigger distance was all about turning pain into purpose, ensuring more women and children could escape violence. It would be a symbolic journey representing resilience and hope.
‘‘My goal is to spark open conversation around domestic violence, raise essential funds, and inspire others to make positive change in their communities.’’
As a child, Blissett constantly moved between homes, schools, foster care and refuges.
Witnessing repeat violence against his mother and siblings left him quiet, angry, and always on guard.
He decided to change his life at the age of 15, finding work, securing his independence, and pursuing study at the New Zealand Institute of Sport, with the long-term goal of becoming a police officer dedicated to stopping crime and reducing family harm.
As of Wednesday the run’s Givealittle page had raised more than $2000.
Í Support 300km Run for Women’s Refuge this Saturday at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/300km-run-for-womens-refuge. See Run For Change on Facebook, or @runforchangenz on Instagram.
