First time mother Jessie Loft will be strapping her 9-month-old daughter to her back and taking on the 15km McLaren Falls Trail near Tauranga in aid of a good cause.

On May 10, Loft will be participating in the Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run on the McLaren Falls Trail, part of a series of events that raise funds for and awareness of Camp Quality, a charity that hosts camps for kids with cancer.

Loft will be carrying baby Indie on her back on the 15km trail, alongside a close longtime friend and aunty for support.

This will be followed by a nice Mother’s Day picnic and a well needed massage for recovery.

Regarding her favourite part of becoming a mum, she said “seeing her personality grow from being a newborn to now has been amazing”.

“I’m obviously going to sound cheesy saying that I love every part, but it really is just the best time.”

When asked why she decided to do the trail, Loft said she loved the outdoors.

“Getting outdoors has so many amazing benefits, and the Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run trails are a good way to see parts of New Zealand you wouldn’t normally do.

“Proceeds go towards Camp Quality, a charity for children with cancer, so it’s a really good cause to be part of.”

Loft said she decided to walk to trail rather than run it, after pulling a muscle during training.

“I’ve been trying to walk most days with my daughter in the front pack or in the pram for some good weight-training.”

She hoped the trail will help people the “winter hibernation” phenomenon that happens to most of us during these colder months and help motivate them to continue being active.

As a first-time mum, Loft has the following advice for other mothers looking at doing something similar.

“Do what you can, it is a juggling act, if you can’t get outside for a walk, don’t beat yourself up – however, I am a big believer of ‘happy mum happy baby’, so remember to prioritise yourself too.

“Personally, the front pack is my saviour, and my daughter would just come with me for 99% of my walks.”

People wanting to sign up and help raise money for Camp Quality can do so at McLaren Falls Trail – Tauranga - Kiwi Walk & Run.

About the series

The Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series is a nationwide trail-running and walking event on Aotearoa’s best trails. The series raises funds for its charity partner – Camp Quality – a camp that provides life-changing experiences for children aged 5 to 16 who are living with cancer. It offers a supportive, stress-free environment where fun and friendship are combined with meaningful challenges, allowing kids to take a break from their treatment and just enjoy being children.