Skateboarding NZ to help the sick

BY JOSH REICH

Tomo Chisnall has 10 pairs of shoes, three sets of wheels and enough T-shirts to dress half of Nelson.

Now all he needs is a caravan and a bit of coin for petrol and food.

Within the next two weeks the Richmond 19-year-old hopes to begin a near two-month odyssey that will see him travel by longboard from Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise money for the Nelson Region Hospice and the Nelson Cancer Society.

Two years ago one of Mr Chisnall's best mates, Marcus O'Malley, died of cancer.

Now he wants to honour Marcus by raising money to help others who are suffering.

"It's not about looking cool and trying to get famous, it's about honouring my mate and doing it for people less fortunate than us," Mr Chisnall said. "I'm just so honoured to give the money that we raise towards the cancer society and the hospice because, man, they do some awesome work in the community."

For training he has been riding between Richmond and Nelson twice a day, and will soon step that up by skating to Motueka to prepare him for the 50 kilometres he hopes to travel each day.

"If it's a nice day I'll skate up to 90km a day, but I don't want to be doing 90km every day and then be getting to Auckland and my body just can't take it."

He admits to being a little apprehensive about the journey which will mainly take in major roads, especially with some large hills to negotiate, but also eager to take up the challenge.

"It's going to be awesome, eh, we're really amped for it."

Sponsors have provided footwear, clothing and discounts on equipment and he already has a van which will be driven by a friend.

It will also double as a memorial, with people to be encouraged to write the names of loved ones who have died from cancer on it.

He is still seeking a towable caravan and more money for petrol and food. The latter is likely to be a big expense, given the amount of energy he will be burning. However, he has picked up some expert tips from Kiwi Rob Thomson, who skated around the world. These include wearing two pairs of socks, applying talcum powder daily and how to take care of blisters.

"It's just going to be really cool," Mr Chisnall said.

He will be parked in the Richmond Mall carpark outside Farmers today and tomorrow for people interested in learning about his journey or helping him with expenses.

* He can also be followed at freedomskate.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News