Chris Cairns in the LAV Turret. (OH08-0583-02tn)
29 August 2008
Chris Cairns was able to give his feet brief respite when he was given a lift in a New Zealand Army Light Armoured Vehicle (NZ LAVIII) into Waiouru Military Camp yesterday.
Cairns is walking from Pukekohe to Rolleston to raise awareness of rail safety. Yesterday he walked the 32km leg from Turangi to the Waihohonu Track entrance on State Highway One.
Today Cairns has boots-on-the-ground support from two soldiers who are walking alongside him as the second Desert Road leg takes them into Waiouru township.
Chris said walking the first leg was one of the hardest things he has done and was thankful for the Army support.
“I thought it would be a lot flatter than it was, being the Desert Road, but it really was tough. It was great having the Army onboard however – the LAV is an impressive piece of equipment!”
Colonel Roger McElwain Commander of the Land Training and Doctrine Group based at Waiouru said the initiative was a great way to raise awareness of rail safety within New Zealand communities.
The walk is also in memory of all those who have died on the rail network. Chris lost his sister Louise who was killed along with two other young women while they were passengers onboard a train hit by a cement truck which failed to stop at a level crossing.
ENDS
For further images of NZ Army support to Chris Cairns’ Walk please contact Bas Bolyn, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.