Blind cyclist Hannah Pascoe pedals length of New Zealand for charity
Grit, determination, and hunger fuel the incredible journey of para-cyclist Hannah Pascoe, who has become the first blind woman to cycle the length of New Zealand. With the unwavering support of her tandem bike partner, Kara Roderick-Wandless, Pascoe conquered this remarkable challenge while raising funds for charity.
Born with congenital glaucoma and losing her vision at age 25, Pascoe has embraced high-performance sports since 2017, despite the numerous obstacles she has encountered along the way. Although she didn’t achieve her goal of making the New Zealand team for the upcoming Summer Paralympics, she decided to bid farewell to professional sports by embarking on an awe-inspiring journey of cycling the entire country.
My emotions are running high; I am thrilled, honored, stoked that we managed to complete it. It was a huge thrill, and I am just super proud of everyone that’s been involved and helped us along the way, Pascoe expressed with gratitude.
Joined by a team of five others, Pascoe embarked on this monumental journey on November 8, starting from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse and concluding at Stirling Point in Bluff on Sunday. There, she was embraced by an enthusiastic crowd at Stadium Southland in Invercargill before embarking on the final 35 kilometers to Bluff, where many supporters hopped on their bikes to join Pascoe.
Among the heartwarming welcome at Bluff, Pascoe’s eyes welled up with tears when she heard her brother and niece perform a haka, a traditional Maori dance, in her honor. It was overwhelming and so humbling. It blew me away just how many turned up, she shared, visibly moved by the support.
Pascoe’s incredible journey has also served as a platform for fundraising. She successfully raised over $25,000 and expressed her hope that a major business would step forward to match the offer. All the proceeds will be donated to fellow blind athletes, providing them with much-needed support.
Sailing through 17 days of sunshine out of their 19-day journey, Pascoe and her team encountered hills and challenging terrains along the way. Despite their fatigue, they persevered, making their way through stormy weather in Dunedin and conquering Cargill Hill before the rain could hit.
Throughout their adventure, Pascoe and Roderick-Wandless indulged in the beauty of central Auckland and even took a refreshing dip in the communal pool at Mayfield during their trip from Darfield to Geraldine, energizing themselves for the journey ahead.
It was just so much fun, Pascoe beamed while reflecting on the swim. Her positivity and enthusiasm have inspired many, proving that limitations can be overcome with unwavering determination.
As Hannah Pascoe’s extraordinary story continues to capture hearts, she remains hopeful that a generous company will step forward to match the funds raised, further supporting blind athletes. Meanwhile, she basks in the glory of becoming the first blind woman to cycle the length of New Zealand, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of teamwork.
With her inspiring achievement, Hannah Pascoe has left an indelible mark on the landscape of para-cycling and serves as a reminder that passions and dreams know no bounds, no matter the circumstances.
