Pedalling Oli to Europe

Let's Go Fitness personal trainer Kylie Johnston pedals an exercycle as part of an effort to raise funds for Dunedin athlete Oli Chignell, and for mental health.

The effort was the first by the Precinct Group, a group of businesses in the Vogel St warehouse precinct in Dunedin.

Gallaway Cook Allan chief executive Matt Gorman said the group had got together recently, and decided to raise money for Chignell, who works at the Precinct Food cafe.

The 20-year-old athlete plans to compete in Europe next year. He was the first "precinct hero'' to be helped.

About 150 people from precinct businesses had raised money by travelling 1800km - running round the block, rowing on a rowing machine or cycling on an exercycle.

He said "a few thousand'' dollars had been raised, with some going to the Southern District Health Board for concession tickets to Moana Pool for mental health initiatives.