14 August 2007

The past week, 6 – 12 August, was officially Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week in New Zealand. So what relevance is that to Army News readers?

It’s all to do with a marathon run, an Army officer’s young child with a terminal disorder, and a forthcoming New Zealand Film Festival documentary.

Sixteen years ago an event took place in Auckland called the Military Marathon. It was a full marathon run by soldiers from Papakura-based 16 Field Regiment and 1 Log Battalion in Wellington. They wore full combat order of DPMs, weapon and an 18 kilogram pack, running 43 kilometres in teams of 8 to 10 on a hot spring day along the Auckland waterfront marathon circuit.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness for the terminal disorder Cystic Fibrosis and funds for CF research.

At that time the Battery Commander of 161 Battery, MAJ Matt Beattie, discussed with his battery Captain, Captain Stu Gray (RA) what event or activity they could do for the community. Two-year-old Sarah Hitchings, the daughter of Regiment member Rob Hitchings, had been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

It was decided that 161 Battery and 16 Field Regiment would train for, organise and run a full Military Marathon with the intent of raising research funds for Cystic Fibrosis, increasing awareness of the disorder, and competing to try and beat the military marathon record held by the Royal Marines (4 hours 33 minutes).

Training took place over six months in the middle of winter, and teams were selected as well as individual runners.

The training took its toll on all participants. Running with specially designed 18 kilo packs and weapon was difficult. Knee, ankle, calf and back injuries were sustained, and the cold conditions exacerbated those injuries.

The Military Marathon was held on 13 October 1991 and attracted six teams, five from 16 Field Regiment and one from 1 Logistic Battalion, with Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner, then a Lieutenant Colonel and the CO of the Battalion, running.

The mayor of Auckland, Les Mills, turned out to start the event along with a 4000-strong crowd of spectators along the waterfront.

All teams completed the event with the individual winner being Gunner Damon Levy from the Regiment. The winning team (5 hours 18 minutes) came from the Logistic Battalion. The day, according to participants, was a success both in terms of enjoyment and in raising awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and CF research.

Sixteen years later, the youngster who helped spark that event – Sarah Hitchings – is now a relatively healthy 19 year old attending university in Auckland.

New Zealand on Air has funded a 45 minute documentary on Sarah and her challenge with Cystic Fibrosis. Titled “An Abbreviated Life”, it is directed by the renowned New Zealand director, Anna Cottrell.

That documentary is to be screened around New Zealand as part of the Documentary NZ Film Festival as follows:

• Auckland: 27 Sept–10 Oct at Academy Cinemas & Sky city Cinemas (CBD )
• Dunedin: 11–21 Oct at the Octagon
• Christchurch: 25 Oct–4 Nov at the Regent on Worcester
• Wellington: 8–21 Nov at the Paramount

It will then be shown on national TV at a time to be advised.

Sarah’s father, Colonel Rob Hitchings, who is seconded to the Australian Defence College in Canberra, says important research work continues into trying to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, with some exciting developments in the stem cell arena.

He said he and his family, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis community, were incredibly grateful to all those Army personnel, many of whom are now retired, who helped support the marathon.

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