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The staff at Anytime Fitness say they heard what proved to be the ‘death rattle’ of Mark Tainui’s car and, after it had been towed to the wreckers’ yard, they saw him struggle to maintain his independence without it.
Mark lives in Stanmore Bay and is a regular at the Whangaparāoa gym, which has been invaluable for his rehabilitation after a car accident seven years ago. The accident happened when Mark blacked out from a stroke. He ended up with a brain injury, losing full function of his body. A long process of learning to walk and speak again followed. Mark uses a walker, but having his own vehicle has been key to an independent life – especially when it comes to being there for his children.
“ACC pays for taxis to the gym and so on, but not for personal travel,” Mark says.
He says one of the biggest disappointments was not being able to see his son perform in a production at Whangaparāoa College, as he couldn’t get there.
Walking from home to the supermarket has put a lot of stress on his legs.
Mark cannot afford to replace his car and co-managers at Anytime Fitness, Myra Rogers and Treena Fry, decided to do something about that, starting a fundraiser that the community is getting behind in large numbers.
“Everyone knows Mark’s big smile,” Myra says. “He always has positive things to say and makes people laugh.”
As well as starting a Givealittle page, which currently has more than $6000 donated, Myra and Treena decided to run a Spinathon.
“We want to keep two stationary bikes moving for 48 hours, and everyone who rides, even for a short time, asks family or friends to sponsor them,” Treena says.
Myra says the staff of nearby businesses are joining the Spinathon, as well as gym members and the general public.
“There have been generous donations, and people joining the event,” Myra says. “It’s really exciting that we could potentially make enough to get Mark a car.”
The Spinathon takes place at Anytime Fitness, Whangaparāoa from Friday, July 2 at 1pm until Sunday, July 4 at 1pm. The gym is keeping a list of time slots that participants can commit to. Leading by example, Myra and Treena are both riding for three hours in the challenging midnight to 6am slots, both nights.
Can you help?
People can join the Spinathon, even once it has begun. To do this, or for more info: email whangaparaoa@anytimefitness.co.nz, text 021 222 3858, visit the gym or look for Anytime Fitness on social media. To donate, search Help Mark get Mobile Again on Givealittle, open until July 5.
