Champions of Hope: The Great Wall of China Trek

In May 2025, four Champions of Hope are undertaking an intrepid journey. Jamie, Brent, Candice, and Imogen will be trekking across the Great Wall of China to raise awareness of stroke and raise funds for Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand. And there's a special reason they're taking this journey - they all have a personal connection to stroke.

Jamie & Brent: Great Mates Walking the Great Wall for a Great Cause

"Every step taken is a step closer to raising awareness about the impact of stroke, especially in young people."

Jamie was only 39 when he experienced a stroke. Six months afterwards, he was able to return to full-time work in the construction industry. With his firsthand experience of stroke, he embarked on a mission to prevent others in his industry from having a stroke through Health15, a joint initiative between Stroke Aotearoa and project managers The Building Intelligence Group. Jamie says,

"I want to raise awareness about the risk of stroke in young people and inspire fellow survivors."

When Jamie decided to join the Great Wall of China Trek, his mate Brent was the first to step up. Jamie and Brent work together at The Building Intelligence Group. Brent is walking for Jamie’s cause, embodying the spirit of "mates supporting mates". Together, they’re tackling the adventure of a lifetime, shining a spotlight on the importance of health services for construction workers, an industry close to their hearts.

View their fundraiser: https://stroke-aotearoa-new-zealand.grassrootz.com/china-2025/health-15-1

Candice: A 10-Year Milestone

2025 is a big year for Candice. In 2015, when she was only 35, Candice experienced a stroke that initially left her paralysed on one side of her body. She's now marking the 10-year anniversary of her stroke by joining the Great Wall of China Trek. Candice has been training all summer with her 11-year-old son and has found that training has given her time to reflect and improve her mental health. The training is multi-faceted, with Candice pushing her body physically and also balancing the needs she has following her stroke.

"Even after all these years, my balance issues remain a challenge, but I am determined to mitigate this with enough hard work over the coming months."

View her fundraiser: https://stroke-aotearoa-new-zealand.grassrootz.com/china-2025/candice-donner

Imogen: "I'm doing this trip so I can help people like my dad"

Imogen is Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand’s representative on the Great Wall of China Trek, but she's not taking part simply because of work. Imogen's father, Mike, had a stroke when Imogen was only 16. Four years after her dad's stroke, Imogen saw an opportunity to work at Stroke Aotearoa and has found learning more about stroke helps her understand what her family went through.

"It's going to be a great trip, but it's also going to be hard."

"Throughout it, I'll be thinking about the funds I'll be raising for Stroke Aotearoa and how they can help people like my dad."

View her fundraiser: https://stroke-aotearoa-new-zealand.grassrootz.com/china-2025/imogen-pearce