Hello everyone,

My name is Adam. I'm a father of four girls, the creator of the collectibles and positive mental health Instagram page @nz_zone, and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, accessibility, inclusion, and community connection.

Over the years, I've used my platform and personal experiences to support people who may be struggling, raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health, and champion accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued, and I am committed to doing what I can to make a positive difference in my community.

I lost my father, Peter Harris, to Stage 4 melanoma in March 2020, at the beginning of New Zealand's first lockdown. Just months earlier, in June 2019, I was sharing a drink and a laugh with my best friend as we celebrated his 60th birthday. In such a short space of time, this terrible disease took him from us.

Dad fought with everything he had. Even after suffering a major stroke, he never gave up. He worked tirelessly to learn how to speak and move again. Watching him go through that was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but his strength, courage, and determination continue to inspire me every day.

I still struggle with the loss of my dad. Grief doesn't disappear, but it has given me a deeper understanding of how important positive mental health is. Life can be incredibly challenging, and people need to know that support is available and that they don't have to face their battles alone. That's one of the reasons I started @nz_zone. If I can help someone through a difficult time, start a conversation, or remind someone that they matter, then I feel I've made a difference.

This year, I have set myself a challenge called 60 for 60 in Dad's memory. Peter was only 60 years old when he passed away, and I wanted to honour every year of his life in a meaningful way. My goal is to travel 60 kilometres, whether by walking, running, or rowing, with each kilometre representing a year of Dad's life.

For many people, 60 kilometres may not sound like much, but for me, this is a significant challenge. I am only at the beginning of my fitness, gym, and health journey, so stepping outside my comfort zone and committing to this goal will take determination and perseverance. Whenever things get tough, I'll be drawing on the same strength and resilience that Dad showed throughout his battle with cancer.

In 2021, my wife and I welcomed another daughter into our family. Becoming a father again gave me a new perspective on cancer and the impact it has on families. The reality that she will never get to meet her grandfather is heartbreaking. Together, we can help create a future where fewer families have to live with that loss.

By supporting cancer research, treatment, education, and care, we can help save lives and provide hope for families facing the same challenges that mine has endured. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a real difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for supporting my 60 for 60 journey, and for helping raise awareness of melanoma, mental health, accessibility, and the importance of looking after one another.

Together, we can make a difference.

Love to you all,

Adam Harris