Grandmother Napier walks 14.5 km inspired by her grandson’s journey against cancer

The 64-year-old said she was the type of person who needed motivation and something to aim for, and this cause was close to her heart.

Max’s battle with cancer began when he complained of pain in his legs after a hockey game.

What initially seemed like a minor problem turned into a challenging ordeal for Max and his family.

After several misdiagnoses, Max’s problem was finally discovered through a biopsy and he was rushed to Starship Hospital in Auckland, where he immediately began chemotherapy as part of a clinical trial.

Applegate said that as a grandmother, it was traumatic to see her grandson go through such a difficult life experience when he was young.

“It affects everyone, the whole family.”

During this time, she became the “house team” and took care of the other three grandchildren, Max’s brothers.

“Children, when they are younger, show a lot of courage and resilience and he overcame that for the most part.”

Max, now 14, has been cancer-free since 2018 but is closely monitored by his doctors.

Applegate described him as a “robust young man” who is thoughtful and loves football and, despite everything he’s been through, keeps up with everyone else.

He attended seven Camp Quality camps, which became a highlight for the young man.

“I asked him what he likes about it, and besides the fun and doing new things, he really enjoys meeting other kids who have been through the same thing.”

Applegate said the pair planned to do the hike together next year, although she expected him to be much faster than her.

The chief executive of Aramex, the company that organized this community event, Mark Little, also has a personal connection to Camp Quality.

Mark’s own son was a camper and Camp Quality is a cause close to his heart.

Camp Quality general manager Dave Bellamy said the Hawke’s Bay event raised $949.85, bringing the total from all six events so far to $4,134.50.

“The goal is to reach $6,000 – enough to send two children to Camp Quality for a memorable, morale-boosting camp experience.”

He said with another event in Rotorua this Saturday, October 19, there are still opportunities to donate online, during registration or at the event itself.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and works in the Hastings newsroom. She covers news from Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.