How we began

The Founders: Mark Habgood and friends

The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand was incorporated as a charitable trust in New Zealand in August 2004.

When Harry Townsend (see below) reached Auckland’s North Shore, Mark Habgood and Jane Hunter arranged for him to meet clinicians at North Shore Hospital. Mark enlisted the help of friends with suitable business and legal expertise to be trustees alongside the clinicians, and the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand was formed. The aim was to raise funds to provide support for people affected by melanoma and their families, and to raise awareness about melanoma.

Mark Habgood remains on the Board of Trustees today as do five other founding trustees. See Who are We?

The inspiration: Harry Townsend and the wheelbarrow

The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand was inspired by Harry Townsend from England. Harry's wife Myfanwy died of melanoma in 1999. Harry founded a charitable trust in Myfanwy's memory: http://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/

In 2004 Harry decided to walk from one end of the North Island of New Zealand to the other with a wheelbarrow, collecting donations for the fight against melanoma. Mark Habgood swung into action to help organise things and Harry was supported along the way by Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and rugby clubs.
Mark and Harry made contact with the Waitemata District Health Board where research and treatment into melanoma was underway. With an interested group of clinicians and business persons it was agreed to found the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand.

From a generous donation of funds raised during Harry Townsend's walk down the length of the North Island, the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand was established. The aim was to carry on helping those affected by melanoma in New Zealand.

Over the years Harry has continued to contribute to the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund through a series of spectacular events involving walking through many of the most famous places in the world. Read about Harry and support him here: http://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/

The logo: the sweet pea

The Melanoma Foundation’s logo is based on a lovely flower : the sweet pea. The sweet pea was Myfanwy Townsend’s favourite flower. You will notice graphics featuring sweet pea tendrils at the top of this page and throughout this website.