The man from Taranaki who plans to travel the 15,000 kilometers of New Zealand coastline has changed his start date and location to meet his terminally ill mother’s wish to see him go.

Shane Kidby had planned to leave Cape Reinga in August on his big trip to raise funds for two organizations close to his heart – Cystic Fibrosis NZ and Taranaki Retreat, a shelter that focuses on suicide prevention.

But his mother’s failing health means he decided to leave his hometown of New Plymouth on June 26 instead.

“There are a lot of emotions because it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Kidby said. “But mom was hospitalized again on Monday.”

Kidby’s brother, Daniel, had cystic fibrosis and died at the age of six.

READ MORE:
* “It’s Huge”: Life-Changing Cystic Fibrosis Drug Closes Funding for Pharmac
* Taranaki man walking the 15,000 km of New Zealand coast for the late brother, dying mother
* CF supporters take on half marathon to raise awareness and raise funds

As children, the brothers dreamed of exploring New Zealand, and Shane always tried to make a living for them both.

Hence his decision to travel the entire New Zealand coastline, including Stewart Island.

But, earlier this year, her mother Linda found out she had terminal cancer and said it was on her bucket list to see her only living son go on an adventure.

“I hope she can see me go,” Kidby said. “She’s a fighter.

He always knew that his mother’s health meant there was a chance he would stop and start his journey.

During his mother’s illness, Kidby will be driven back to stay with his family each night, and the next morning he will be taken to where he left off so he can continue his walk.

He has family and friends as far as Wellington.

He plans to travel the west coast of New Zealand, around Sterwart Island, and climb back east.

Only one person has made the trip, and Kidby expects it to take him two years.

“There is excitement, a little nervousness and a self-doubt that sets in.”

Family, friends, sponsors and supporters are welcome to Shining Peak Brewing at 10 a.m. on June 26, before it starts at 11 a.m.

If his mother cannot make it to the coast to see him leave, he will head south via Hospice Taranaki.

– Shane raises money for charities through a Givealittle called “Walking with Wings”. People can follow his progress through social media accounts with the same name.