Media Release:

The organisers of Agfest West Coast are delighted to announce a partnership with Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and Rānui House at this year’s event on April 12 & 13th 2024.

Research shows that keeping families together through this time plays a vital role in a patient’s emotional well-being during treatment, and well beyond. Put simply, when families are together, they heal faster.

As a charity, they rely on the generous support of the community at Agfest 2024, the organisers look forward to assisting with this, through a team’s Tug-of-War competition and a charity auction across the two days.

Mandy Kennedy CEO of Bone Marrow Cancer Trust said, “Being named a charity partner with Agfest 2024 holds special significance for the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust. Each year we provide accommodation and support for over 1,100 patients and their families, who must travel to Christchurch Hospital for what is often life-saving medical treatment.  A quarter of the families we serve at Rānui House call the West Coast home. Together, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact where it matters most, our heartfelt and grateful thanks for the opportunity.”

Anna-Marie Thompson Agfest Co-Owner said, “Experiencing a recent family loss has opened my eyes to the trauma families experience on an ongoing basis, and I am thrilled that Agfest can partner with the amazing team at Rānui House to ensure that families are kept together at this important time.”

Rānui House ambassador Josh Komen has many memories of his time at the facility.  During his treatment in Christchurch, Rānui House provided a home-away-from-home for 474 nights, enabling his family to stay close and connected while he endured his life-saving treatment. “It was the most challenging and desperate time of my life, but Rānui House and the people there were my lifeline – a beacon of hope during a very dark time. They helped save my life”, says Josh.

Agfest organisers look forward to providing some fun opportunities for West Coasters to support this wonderful charity.

About Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and Rānui House 

Caring for a loved one at hospital can feel overwhelming, which is why having a place of respite is so important. Rānui House is a home away from home for families and patients who need to travel to Christchurch for life-saving medical treatment.

Owned and managed by the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust for nearly 30 years, Rānui House has welcomed thousands of families through its doors, from the top of the North Island to the deep south, and each year sees around 30 percent of all families that stay come from the West Coast. We serve all patients, of all ages, and treatment types – everyone is welcome here.

Research shows that keeping families together during treatment plays a vital role in a patient’s emotional wellbeing during treatment, and well beyond. Put simply, when families are together, they heal faster.

Located opposite Christchurch Hospital and beautiful Hagley Park, our 26 apartments feature comfy beds, ample living spaces – including a kitchen and laundry just like at home – along with an onsite carpark and generous communal spaces. By taking care of the practical things, we give patients and their families the time and space they need to focus on their treatment.

As a charitable trust, we rely on the generous support of our community. It is that support that enabled us to open New Zealand’s first Bone Marrow Cancer Unit at Christchurch Hospital in 1991, to build Rānui House in 1993 and to expand it in 2008. Increasing demand for our services is seeing us grow again, with an additional 43-apartment complex due for completion in early 2024.

DONATE TO RĀNUI

The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and the Bone Marrow Cancer Research Trust are charitable trusts who rely on the generosity of donations from our community, grants from philanthropic trusts, bequests, businesses, and funds raised through events we run. Scan the QR code to donate directly to Rānui House or the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust