BROTHER'S ORDEAL A DRIVING FORCE FOR TOP SCIENTIST
Hayley Reynolds (Wayne's sister) recently graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Auckland's Bioengineering Institute. Hayley's Ph.D. thesis involved creating a 3D computer model of showing the patterns of melanoma spread. This model allows clinicians to visualize and predict the way melanoma may spread from any area of skin on the body and can be seen online here.
During her studies she received several awards. Notable amongst these was a MacDiarmid Young New Zealand Scientist of the Year Award for excellence in Biotechnology in 2006 and also a lucrative AIMES Award for excellence in Information Technology. Her work has also received international recognition, with publications in both the Annals of Biomedical Engineering and the world-leading cancer journal Lancet Oncology.
Hayley's motivation comes largely from the time she spent at her brother's bedside during his illness, as she decided that she wanted to do something to help doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively. Carrying on in this same vein, Hayley is now employed as a research scientist at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute working with a team aiming to improve the detection of breast cancer.
RUSTY WHITTLE RUNS LONDON MARATHON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TRUST
This marathon was set to be special. At the age of 60, this was Rusty Whittle's 15th marathon and his first international event. But one thing made it really special. This event was in honour of his nephew Wayne Reynolds whose life was claimed by leukaemia in 2005.
A major event on the London sporting calendar, the 2007 London Marathon attracted 100,000 hopefuls applying to enter and 35,000 competing on the day. From professional athletes, to Elvis impersonators and charity runners, Rusty started at the rear of the pack and achieved a great result, finishing ahead of over 12,000 other entrants.After a fantastic run, grinning from ear to ear and still full of energy, Rusty was delighted to be greeted by his partner Sue and son Mark who had cheered him along at a number of points along the way. Rusty said that Wayne was in his thoughts every time he went for a run to train and prepare for the big race and it has kept him running. Rusty hoped that this event would raise the profile of the Wayne Reynolds Trust and encourage people to donate to this important cause.
Rusty would like to thank everyone for all their support. In total, over $15,000 was raised.