NICOLA Pointon lost her 19-year-old son Jacob in 2008 after treatment for a heart condition in Auckland Hospital.
IN MEMORY: Nicola Pointon with son Jacob.
Born with a rare heart condition known as Ebstein anomaly, Jacob Pointon never let it get in the way of leading a normal and happy life.
“He would never let his condition get the better of him,” says Nicola. “He even went to an outdoor course and learnt to sail.”
Now, 18 months on, Nicola and friend Hannah Drake are preparing for their cycle from Bluff to Cape Reinga to raise money for the Heart Children New Zealand.
“The idea came from Hannah at first,” says Nicola. “After Jakey died, she was like ‘well, let’s do it’.”
Planning to start on November 13 and finish on December 3, Nicola and Hannah hope their cycle trek will coincide with the The Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge that starts on November 27.
INSPIRED: Nicola Pointon.
Heart Children NZ is so far the only organisation in New Zealand dedicating itself to support those born with common and rare heart defects.
“At least 12 kids are born with a heart defect every week,” she says. “So we’re going to be raising money for the Heart Children NZ and for the doctors with their equipment.”
Training five hours a week, Nicola is slowly preparing for the ride and also looking for people to support them.
“We’re just looking for the basics, food, accommodation, petrol money and donations for heart children.
“Anyone is more than welcome to join us,” she says.
