Emma Howden

Our Why

So many of us have a story like this: a year ago, our beautiful Mum was diagnosed with glioblastoma in two parts of her brain. One operable, one not.

While we travel the ups and downs of this challenging and seemingly impossible journey, we have decided to do something to (further) challenge our own endurance alongside her.

We - Kate, Emma, Graeme and Doug, as well as a team of our cousins - have signed up for the 100km Taupo Ultra Relay on October 11 2025.

Mum and Dad have been longstanding donors to the Neurological Foundation, after losing Mum's sister to a similar brain cancer and our Nana Howden to Alzheimer's. With Mum's diagnosis, we have learnt so much about the value the Neurological Foundation provides to New Zealanders every day.

We now ask you to support us in our support of them and their research. The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand is our only dedicated funder of neurological research. 1 in 3 people will be affected by a neurological condition over their lifetime, making their ongoing research essential to almost every Kiwi family. They have raised almost $5 million towards neurological research in the last year, furthering our understanding of more than 700 neurological conditions. Every day researchers and clinicians dedicate their working day to finding cures, to developing and improving treatment methods, and preventing the devastating effects of these diseases.

Please help me help them by giving what you can, no matter how big or small, using the ‘Donate’ button and follow along for this journey.