Steve Halkett and children Tessa Simpson, Sophie, Adam and Emma Halkett were among the thousands of people around the country taking part in Junk Free June, an initiative encouraging people to give up junk food for 30 days and raise money for the Cancer Society.
They ended the month as the top fundraisers in New Zealand as a group, gathering $6410 in donations.
Their inspiration was the late Jo Halkett, wife of Steve and mother of of Tessa, Sophie, Adam and Emma; she died on October 4, last year.
She had been suffering from a rare lung disease, but after she died it was discovered that she also had a rare form of lymphoma.
''We didn't know that she had cancer at the time she died ... they didn't find out until afterwards,'' Tessa said.
''[The lung disease] masked the cancer, so they weren't treating it because they didn't know she had it,'' Steve said.
The family knew research was key to developing a cure and assisting in the understanding and detection of rare forms of lymphoma, so when Emma asked the family to test their resolve and raise money for Junk Free June, they jumped on board.
''I wanted to do it, but realised I wouldn't be able to do it on my own, but if we did it as a family I thought it might be possible,'' Emma said.
''Mum was all about us sticking together as a family, so we're doing that through this as well.''
Jo had always supported charities and they knew she would have been passionate about Junk Free June.
Cutting out unhealthy food had been different for everyone.
''Dad's the biggest sweet tooth. I think Dad and I had headaches the first week,'' Sophie said.
It took a lot of planning and strength, but it became easier as the month went on.
''It's amazing how strong your willpower can be when you are doing something for a cause so close to your heart,'' Emma said.
They promoted their campaign through social media.
Their initial goal was $500 but they raised more than $1000 in the first few hours and the donations continued to flow.
TEU Training held two charity boxing sessions during June, with all proceeds going to the cause.
''It's all been a bit mind-blowing, really,'' Steve said.
The donations were a reflection of how many lives Jo had touched and they were all proud to be surrounded by ''incredible'' family, friends and community.
''That's why we got so much - it's a tribute to her,'' Steve said.
''She knew lots of people because she was a midwife and a nurse and she worked for CCS as well so she had lots of people that she helped who wanted to give back, which was really nice of them.''
With the donations came comments supporting their efforts and paying tribute to Jo, making Junk Free June an ''emotional'' ride, Adam said.
''Sometimes you block it out because it's so upsetting, but it's nice to do something in memory and as a family,'' he said.
On Tuesday, the family gathered for their last official Junk Free June meal - stuffed chicken, with spinach, butternut pumpkin and mushrooms, followed by a beetroot chocolate pudding.
Yesterday, they were all looking forward to indulging in a sweet treat.
''But we are going to keep up good habits, and actually treat treats as treats,'' Sophie said.
''Because I think we've all noticed an increase in energy.''
