Kiwi road cyclist Kate Wightman has had quite the ride.
Late last year she was diagnosed with three different forms of gynaecological cancer despite being just 29 years old.
"Two types of ovarian and one uterine cancer," Wightman told 1News.
"There's not great stats on survival so I'm on a mission to spread the word and get some awareness out there."
That quest has taken the form of walking the length of New Zealand while raising funds for Talk Peach and the Graci Foundation.
"[From] the Te Araroa trail from Cape Reinga all the way to Bluff, been going for two months now," she said.
"I've just hit Wellington so halfway!"
The Graci Foundation's goal is to improve outcomes for women suffering from a gynaecological cancer through New Zealand-based research while Wightman's other chosen charity, Talk Peach, works to educate and raise awareness on the five gynaecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulval), and to support patients.
Joining the former elite road cyclist in her 3000km "Ovary Walk" is partner and recent Tour of Southland winner Dan Gardner.
The walk started on September 30 — a significant date given September is gynaecological cancer awareness month — but most recently they've been battling the bush, with the capital their first sight of civilisation in nearly a month.
"I thought I'd be helpful but actually I've turned up and slowed her down," Gardner said.
"I've brought some food and hopefully some morale. I'm impressed she hasn't needed much help, been trooping by herself, she's pretty self-sufficient!"
Determination is one of Wightman's defining traits and helped her in her medical journey.
After spending three years trying to get answers from doctors about her severe abdominal pain, she was finally diagnosed and now finds herself in remission.
Although there was a bit of luck involved too.
"It was only by chance that I got an MRI scan for an injury in cycling that they found a tumour," she said.
"If we can just get talking and be open and honest about changes in our bodies, it's the best way we can detect it."
And while Wightman isn't planning on competing again, she's convinced her athletic background has helped in her battle.
"Being able to reframe things when you're going through a difficult time in sport and then reframe it and say, 'well OK, how can I move on from this?' and help look forward and at the positives."
She might no longer be on the bike but the wheels keep on turning for this cancer survivor.
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