In December 2020, tanker driver Rod Rutherford was diagnosed with stage four renal clear cell cancer and given just six to nine months to live.
It's been almost two years since then and the 59-year-old continues to defy the odds, including cycling 3800km from Bluff to Cape Reinga.
The epic five-month-long feat was inspired by a dream where Rod saw himself biking the length of Aotearoa spreading positivity.
"In the dream, I had a message to give people: 'Life isn't what you think it is. It's not about the biggest car, the flash house, or the greatest meals. It's actually about the time you have and how you spend it,'" shares Rod.
When several weeks later his brother Arty called out of the blue offering an e-bike, it seemed like a sign to make his dream a reality.
But it came at a precarious time. Rod had just had brain surgery during the lockdown of August 2021 to remove two of his eight tumours and was still undergoing oral chemotherapy treatment for the remaining six.
While it's an unconventional way to spend what could have been his last months, Rod knew he had to try and his wife Karen was immediately supportive.
"Between us, we have six children, and we've always told them to go off and have the adventure," says Cambridge kindergarten teacher Karen, 39. "We had to put our own words into action and I knew he could do it."
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 12, 2022 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 12, 2022 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
No-sew TASSEL CUSHION
Refresh your living space with this nifty number - no expertise required!
Ashia Singer's zingers! 'COOKING MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER'
The talented mum has the recipe for life’s ups and downs – and they’re all delicious
June to-do list FILL UP ON FRUIT
There’s still plenty to do outside – sett le in your citrus and plant up the pots!
Matt's healing journey 'I'M MY OWN CHEERLEADER NOW'
The radio star fought his way out of sadness and is now sharing his secrets
SLOW & steady
Let time be the secret ingredient with these melt-in-your-mouth meals
Rhino queen Jamie MARGOT MADE ME A WILD OFFER!
Hollywood has its sights set on the anti-poacher
FINAL FLING
Signs show the marriage is over
Royal rebels 'WE'RE DOING THINGS OUR WAY'
Zara and Mike are calling all the shots as they contemplate staying in the real world or helping out the House of Windsor
Dame Hinewehi Mohi 'I SEE MIRACLES EVERY DAY'
The singer looks back at her proudest moments and the girl who inspires it all
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy