Mr Payne, 72, yesterday completed the final leg of his 1300km cycling journey from Picton to Bluff.
His efforts were to raise money for the Sarah Lilli Fund — a charity he and his wife Ruth established in 2006 in Sarah’s memory.
"Our middle daughter Sarah passed away 22 years ago at the age of 10, and we wanted to create something to keep her spirit alive," Mr Payne said, reflecting on the journey’s personal meaning.
Upon reaching Stirling Point just after 1pm yesterday, he expressed his satisfaction at both completing the bike ride and meeting his $13,000 fundraising goal. The funds raised will benefit Barnardos, an organisation the Payne family has long supported.
"My wife was on the board for nine years and our family have been associated with Barnardos since the kids were really little.
"While the government provides some support for families, often families just don’t have that little bit extra for the things that more privileged children take for granted.
"This fund helps fill that gap with grants of $150 to $250, which, while small, can make a significant difference in the lives of children and families," he said.
Social workers from Barnardos make the grant applications on behalf of children and families in need that they are working with.
Barnardos supporter and Invercargill social worker Vignesh Suriyanarayanan commended the initiative.
"It shows how much he cares, and the money raised will make a big difference to the kids and their families," Mr Suriyanarayanan said.
