Milton man Shane Bichan was greeted by schoolchildren, pensioners, workers and wellwishers thrusting donations into his and supporters’ hands as he entered his hometown about 2.30pm on the latest leg of a six-week fundraising, length-of-New Zealand walk.
Mr Bichan, who set off from Cape Reinga on December 29, expects to reach Bluff on Saturday, having covered most of the journey on state highways to minimise time away from home.
He said he hoped to raise as much money as possible for a new initiative helping loved ones deal with the aftermath of suicide.
"We have our own family experience with suicide, and unfortunately it’s something that affects so many people in New Zealand, either directly, or by knowing someone who has been affected.
"We want to set up a community that simply allows those affected to get together over a cuppa, and share those experiences in a way that lets them know they’re not alone."
Among those lining up to greet the concrete worker were some of his five children with wife Sharni.
Milton Primary School pupil Sophie, 10, said she had thought her father was "kidding" when he had first shared his plans to walk from north to south.
"I’ve missed him, although I’ve seen him a couple of times on visits.
"He hasn’t changed much. He’s got heaps of blisters on his feet and his legs are a bit thinner, but I’m very proud of him."
Mr Bichan said he had faced wet and windy conditions for much of the journey, during which he had covered up to 70km a day, sometimes walking in ditches and swales.
However, on seeing the reception from his children and residents in his hometown yesterday, his anorak was not the only damp item in evidence.
"I think it’s raining inside my sunnies today. This is just amazing.
"It’s been an epic journey. The people and their stories keep you going when your feet are telling you something different."
A Givealittle page had raised more than $19,000 at the time of writing.
