Our 'Why'
So many of us have one of these stories, a year ago ours got closer to home when our beautiful mum was diagnosed with glioblastoma in two parts of her brain. One operable, one not.
While we travel this challenging and seeming impossible journey; we have decided to do something to challenge our endurance alongside her.
We; Kate, Emma, Graeme and Doug, have signed up for the 100km Relay Taupo Ultra Run on October 11 2025.
Mum and Dad have been longstanding donors to the Neurological Foundation after losing mums sister to brain cancer. With mums diagnosis we have learnt so much about the value they add to New Zealanders.
We now ask you to support us. The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand is our only dedicated funder of neurological research. 1 in 3 people are now affected by a neurological condition - making what they do important to many Kiwis. They fund approximately $5 million worth of neurological research each year to further our understanding of the 700+ neurological conditions that exist. Every day researchers and clinicians dedicate their working day to finding cures, to developing 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.
You may know mum really well and wish to visit, please contact Dad or one of us girls to arrange a suitable time, messages and prayer always welcome.
My Achievements
My Updates
The Joy of Giving
Wednesday 27th Aug We’ve been tested before, all families go through ‘stuff’ but Mum’s role has always been one of leadership and care to guide us through. She's the glue. Her getting sick simply wasn't on the agenda (and frankly Dad will tell you he was meant to be the first cab off this particular rank).
$5k
Katie Thomas + Jl
$500
Anonymous
$210
Craig And Nikki
$200
Matt & Tenly
Go Team Howden! Tillsy & Tenly ❤️
$105
Anonymous
Awesome kate
$105
Sarah, Daryl & Wilfy Xox
Sending you lots of love, you’re always in our thoughts Xx
$105
Meg And Kit Howden
Love you all
$105
Bev
Take it easy family. Love you guys
$105
Hannah Catley
$105
Toni & Bruns
$105
Kate Paterson
All of our love to the Howden’s. Love Kate, Cam and Jock
$105
Bev Turilli
Best wishes, Kate and family.
$105
Vic Cole
Sending all our love and support, smash the run!!
$105
Courtney
Sending you guys all the love and good vibes for Jo 💛
$105
G And The Girls
$105
Susie
Good luck family! Will be thinking of you & cheering you on from afar Xx
$101
The Levers - Mike Lou Flo Xxxx
Sending all our love and thoughts for you all during this tough time! Xxxx
$101
Katty G And Rich
Sending you guys all of the love!!❤️❤️❤️ You got this!!🤙
$101
Chrissy G, Cam, Arthur And Georgia
All the best xxx
$101
Tom, Jerri & Bridie
Go Kate!! Super proud of your efforts and drive to raise funds for a such a worthy cause.
$101
Erin Mattingly
We got this x Go Joy go!
$70
Delia Daniels
Cheering you all on! Such an incredible way to honour your beautiful mum and support such an important cause. Sending all of our love! 💛 Delia, Acton, Ezra & Lenny
$52.50
Yas
Thinking of you and your whānau - go well for your run! ❤️
$52.50
Bronwyn Taylor
In awe of you, Kate. All our love to your family xx
$52.50
Karen Coutts
To all the family sending you lots of love
$52.50
Adam Bolton
Love to you all
$52.50
Rachel Cantillon
Sending lots of love to your beautiful family! Xx
$52.50
Lydia Jenkin
Arohanui to the whole family, and amazing work on the fundraising and run.
$52.50
Rowan Howden
All the best guys. Awesome work and love as always to all.
$52.50
Kellie Edwards
Sending lots of love xx
$52.50
Thurston Fam
Go team!
$52.50
Gracie Keown
Joy is one of the best humans I’ve ever been lucky enough to know. Sending love to the Howden crew xxx
$52.50
Julia Lennon
$52.50
Rachael Evans
$52.50
Bec M
What an amazing family effort. All the best for “Jog for Joy” and for Joy’s treatment x
$52.50
Erin Simperingham
$52.50
Michele Mckenzie
Love to you all. The McKenziez
$52.50
The Mcgowans! Tui Finnick Ziggy Gigi And Billy.
Smash it guys! Sending all the love your way!
$52.50
Lo, Brad & Archer
Sending so much to love to you all xx
$52.50
Ana + Babbages Xx
Good luck today Joggers and Crew!! Xx
$52.50
Mikayla Johnston
Sending loving prayers and thoughts to your family ruby 💌
$52.50
Jess & James Miles
Go team Howden! Sending so much love to you all.
$52
Kate, Doug, Jimmy And Louis
We got this.
$52
Bridget & Sam
Go gettem team! See you down there - we'll be cheering you on!
$52
Hannah Flett
Thank you for raising money for such an important cause. Very close to my heart as my Mum also has a GBM. Arohanui x
$51
Anonymous
$50
Haylee, Ross And The Boys
Go team go! Love this. Much love to you guys and aunty joy x
$50
Stu
Go well whānau
$50
Deb, Dave & Teddy
Thinking of you all xx
$50
Kirsten Gill
$27
Claire Savage
Thinking of you all ❤️
$26.25
Laura
$26.25
Fleur Hern
$26.25
Alexandra Golder
$26.25
Paige
$26.25
Johanna Nightingale
$26
Maddie Bowker
$25
Claire
$25
Madeline Biddulph-wall
$21
Maddie & Ben
What an awesome effort you guys. Praying for you and all the fam ❤️
$21
Kelsey Mulcahy
$21
Esther Keown
Love you Howdens! Joy is the best, sending you all so much love and good luck for your big run!
$10.50
Kate Haddock
Good luck!
Lots of love to the Howden’s xxxxx