Lazy lunch for an active cause

It started as an idea between two friends.

Cindy Douglas and Anne Sinnott created Team Carolyn to support Carolyn Beaver, a veterinarian who received a spinal cord injury after a horse-riding accident in England in 2006.

On her return to New Zealand, Dr Beaver was not eligible for ACC compensation as she had received her injury in the UK and had been working over there for more than six years.

Wanting to help the determined young woman who has now focused her attention on spinal-cord injury rehabilitation and research, Mrs Douglas and Ms Sinnott, aided by family and friends, organised the recent Team Carolyn Long Lazy Lunch.

The event, which was held at the Douglas family's Dome Hills Station homestead in North Otago, raised $20,000.

That money would contribute towards a vehicle which, once further modified, would give Dr Beaver the ability to drive independently.

Dr Beaver described the event as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" and she and her husband Doug appreciated the "massive effort" that went into organising it.

"To have the support and encouragement of so many people, many of whom I'd never met before, is so heartwarming and very humbling.

"Their enthusiasm and belief in me gives me more determination to succeed so I can give back to society and also help others in their journey with spinal-cord injuries."

She particularly thanked Mrs Douglas and Ms Sinnott for the "incredible amount of time, brain-power and compassion" they put into making an inspiring idea a reality.

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Lazy lunch for an active cause