When the whistle blew on his football season, goalkeeper Callum Massey had more than just goals on his mind.
For every ball that got past him, he promised to run a kilometre for himself and for others living with asthma – a condition he has managed since childhood.
This Saturday (September 13), the 23-year-old from the North Shore will take on a 21km run from Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter, raising funds for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.
Callum – who plays for Metro FC’s Under-23 and First Team squads – knows firsthand how challenging it can be to grow up struggling to breathe.
“When I was younger, my asthma meant hospital visits, sleepless nights, and missed school and sporting events,” he says.
“The house I lived in didn’t have insulation, which made it even harder.
“My own struggles were tough, but I know many people face much worse.”
Over the years, careful management with his doctors has helped, and while he still experiences flare-ups – especially when sick – running has become an important outlet.
What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, with Callum now regularly completing half and full marathons.
But he wanted to make this run more meaningful, he says.
“Being asthmatic myself, I want to show it’s possible to keep doing the things you love – and at the same time help others living with asthma and respiratory conditions.”
Callum’s 21km route will be made up of 6km loops around Wynyard Quarter, with the final stretch bringing him to the finish line back at Silo Park.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says we are so grateful to Callum for turning his personal challenge into something that will inspire and support others.
“His determination shows that even with asthma, you can push boundaries and achieve incredible things.”
If you'd like to support Callum, you can donate to his Givealittle page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fund...
