Kawerau’s Crystal Gledhill has raised more than $8000 for the Cancer Society over the past three years by taking part in the Longest Day Golf Challenge.

Losing a close friend to cancer in 2022 caused Gledhill to want to raise money for patients and families suffering from cancer in the Eastern Bay.

Two months later, she was taking on the Longest Day Challenge with a golf club in hand, raising $1800 for the Cancer Society.

The second year she raised $3000, and this year $3287. She fundraises through her job at BP Pongakawa, a nexus for travellers, regular customers and truckies who are happy to support the cause.

“I have this piece I write up about what I’m doing, with a bank account they can donate to that I give out, and some people just give me cash towards it,” she said.

Hort-Equip Services and her workplace, BP Pongakawa, are major supporters of Gledhill every year.

Bay of Plenty House Removals are also one of her biggest sponsors; the owner stops by every day for a coffee, and Cookie Time supplies her with protein bars to fuel her throughout the almost (and sometimes over) 12-hour day.

The 2024 instalment culminated in a 12-and-a-half-hour day – a little longer than previous years because of persistent wet weather.

“It was the first time I’d done it in the pouring rain. The weather was horrible and slowed us down; we had to get changed between rounds because we were completely soaked,” she said.

“I’ve been playing golf for six years, so I’m still quite new. My partner got me clubs and lessons,” she said.

Her partner, Brian Jackson, is the leader of her support crew throughout the day, driving the golf cart with her clubs and food around the course, and joining in to play rounds.

Others on her support crew included Colin Helsby and Warren Smith, who arrived after completing a breakfast run for everyone.

Gledhill walks all 72 holes, completing 38 kilometres and a total of 51,377 steps throughout the challenge.

As a competitive walker, she has competed in seven races and a half-marathon in the lead up to train for this challenge.

She is keen to take on this challenge again, with two upcoming half marathons booked to train for the 2025 installment.

She recommended the experience to others wanting to fundraise for the cause. “It’s just getting out there and playing. All the money is for charity, and it’s about having a good time. It doesn’t matter if you mess up a shot,” she said.

Whakatāne Golf Club supported the event, with manager Lee-Anne Clark-McGregor emailing club members a link for online donations.

Gledhill also organised the carts and administration for everyone in the challenge. “It was the boys first year, so I was telling them what to do, like how you should change your socks every round, and keep your fluids and electrolytes up,” she said.

“A big thank you to Whakatāne Golf Club for their support of us to do this on the day. They supply the golf carts and beers to the support crews at the end of the day.”