Tackling tour for a charity

SHANE WENZLICK

BREAKING THE STIGMA: Lawyer Wayne Hudson is tackling part of the Tour de France to raise money for a charity that supports women and children living with HIV and AIDS.

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RIDING 174km through Europe's Pyrenees mountains is not everybody's idea of fun but it's something one cycle-mad lawyer can cross off his bucket list – and he's doing it for a cause.

Wayne Hudson, 57, will be having a crack at the Etape du Tour, a stage of the Tour de France that is open to the public on July 19, raising money for Positive Women – a group that supports women and children living with HIV and AIDS.

He will be among 9000 people tackling the course that includes climbing more than 4000 metres into the mountains. His aim is to finish the leg in about seven hours.

"You get a medal for finishing, not winning," he says.

The Remuera resident decided to get behind Positive Women after his law firm, Hudson Gavin Martin, did some pro bono work for the organisation.

"The toughest thing is the stigma of living with what is perceived to be a dirty, sexual disease," he says.

"We're trying to change attitudes."

The day of the ride coincides with the start of this year's International Aids Conference in Vienna and it was this coincidence that cemented Mr Hudson's decision to support the group.

Kitted out in a cycle jersey sporting the charity's name, Mr Hudson says it is as much about raising awareness as it is about the money.

But he has already raised almost half of the $10,000 he is aiming for.

The money is set to go towards a campaign to break the stigma associated with having the disease.

Despite common misconceptions 80 percent of the women diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in New Zealand have been infected through heterosexual contact, medical needle stick injuries, blood transfusions or perinatal infection.

Mr Hudson has found even being associated with the cause can provoke some negativity.

While he is thrilled with the response he has had so far, he says the topic seems to shut some people down.

But he doesn't let it bother him, and says it is the cause that has had him training in rain and hail.

"It feels good to do good. It boosts you up and keeps you training."

Always one to keep active, he fenced for 25 years before switching to triathlons where he discovered cycling was his weakest leg.

The lawyer found his passion when he joined a cycle club 20 years ago. He now trains four times a week including cycling the long route to and from work three days every week.

Mr Hudson enjoys the competition of racing but says his daily commute is a great way to "shed the worries of the day".

To sponsor Mr Hudson go to www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/WayneHudson.

- © Fairfax NZ News