Taking SPCA support to new heights (literally)

Robert has always been a lover of the outdoors – of nature and animals. He has also always wanted to climb a mountain and loved the idea of breaking a world record… so he bought these things together.

“My chiropractor suggested Mount Kinabalu [in Malaysia] because there weren’t any records for the oldest person to climb it,” Robert said by way of an explanation as to how he came to take on his latest adventure.

As a young man, Robert served in the Australian navy and the New Zealand army during the communist insurgency war in Malaya (as it was known then), so he was familiar with Malaysian culture, the terrain and environment. Having always been active and healthy, the training Robert would need to undertake for the climb didn’t vary from his normal routine too much.

Unfortunately, Guinness World Records don’t recognize Mount Kinabalu as part of their achievements, stating “the mountain is not notable enough to merit a world record”, but it was notable enough for Robert! Though the question of breaking a world record was off the table, Robert had set his sights on climbing the mountain, and he was undeterred.

While planning the trip, Robert decided to turn his upcoming adventure into a fundraiser to help the animals who SPCA protect. What an amazing way to turn a personal challenge into something that can benefit animals who need help!

While many might feel fazed by the idea of extensive training, Robert took it in his stride. “Every week I do 4km or 10km runs. I also do running events; 10kms, half marathons and I’ve done a lot of full marathons too” he explained to Nicola from our Giving Hearts Team, describing a 10km run as “taking it easy”.

But Robert did admit that sometimes he slowed down and simply enjoyed walking. While on his trip of a lifetime, he took as many opportunities as possible to do bush walks and trails, either as a warm-up to the mountain climb or merely to look after his muscle strength, keeping himself stretched and in good health to accommodate the climb.

The total journey from the bottom of the mountain to the top took four days – an amazing achievement! Robert explained how he was often moving upwards, then resting to acclimatize before continuing the route to the summit. While the altitude was one challenge, the granite beneath Robert’s feet was another. Huge granite boulders along the route had to be grappled over with the aid of the ropes. Once at the summit on Low’s Peak, Robert cheerfully recalls spending an hour or so at the top before starting his descent.

Explaining why he decided to fundraise for animals with his climb, Roberts says “I have always had a love of animals… I think they are incredibly special and honest creatures. I seem to have a rapport with all animals, a sense of kinship. I believe they have almost a sixth sense; they know and understand each person they meet more than we do. I’ve always just had a special relationship with them.”

While trekking through bush in Borneo, Robert loved watching orangutans and elephants who came out to welcome him and was thrilled during his travels to encounter both species up close, in their natural environment. We could hear the smile on Robert’s face as he recalled these experiences over the phone.

When asked about companion animals and SPCA’s work here in New Zealand, Robert responds that he’s never actually had a pet. This fact is partly what’s enabled him to travel and enjoy so many other animals, just like his latest adventure. It’s not always exotic and wild species that Robert bonds with though – he recalls with fondness a pair of Burmese cats owned by a friend. They got on with Robert better than with their own humans! “I do love cats, especially those two cats” he says, admitting that he still carries their picture on him today, and it even accompanied him all the way to Mount Kinabalu’s summit!

Robert’s dedication and support for SPCA spans over 30 years. It started with Robert volunteering at SPCA’s South Auckland Centre where he helped care for animals and walk dogs. “I always remember one puppy who was so timid and scared, shaking in the corner. I sat with him for hours, day after day to win over his trust. Eventually, he let me pat him and even pick him up for a good cuddle.” It’s experiences like these which we know stay with you, and in Robert’s case, it was the start of an ongoing journey with SPCA.

Like most, Robert finds it horrible to see animals in such a frightened state, especially knowing it’s humans that have caused them to be that way. Being part of SPCA’s team enabled Robert to witness first-hand what SPCA does to care for, support, protect and re-home all these incredibly deserving animals who come through our doors. His support and dedication has never waivered.

When asked why he has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to SPCA, Robert explained that it means a lot for him. “It really does. It’s horrendous to think of what humans can do to animals, how cruel they can be. SPCA is doing the best it can to stand and fight against this cruelty, and to protect, support and help these animals. As the largest animal charity, and the country’s best-known charity, it makes sense to support and help the incredible work they are doing. I would do anything to inspire others to help SPCA in any way they can. No matter how little or how much… every bit helps”.

For his part, Robert not only achieved what he set out to do, successfully scaling the South Peak of Kinabalu at 13,435 feet (4095 metres) above sea level, but he also raised funds for SPCA.

Thank you to all our dedicated supporters for all the ways you show your generosity, support and kindness. It is because of you and gifts in your Wills that we are able to continue rescuing, helping, supporting and re-homing all the animals we do. Thank you.

Every gift in a Will is a ‘thank you’ to animals for their love and loyalty.

If you would like to receive information about leaving a gift in your Will, or you would like to let us know you have left a gift in your Will, please do contact us on 021 598 313 or by email to givinghearts@spca.nzor you can visit https://www.spca.nz/donate/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

SPCA is very proud to offer FREE Wills through our partnership with Gathered Here – this enables our supporters to create their Wills with peace of mind of no added costs of the Will itself.