From Giving Time to Giving Back
“We both have a passion for child health through our work and enjoy working with children and young people.
"We know that a child's environment and the opportunities provided to them have a huge impact on outcomes in later life.”
When UK doctors Kayleigh and Ian were planning their July wedding in Scotland, they had a lightbulb moment. Instead of asking guests for traditional gifts, they decided to give back to a cause close to their hearts by asking friends and whānau to donate to I Have a Dream (IHAD) in lieu of gifts.
The decision came naturally after their time volunteering with IHAD while they were living and working in Whangārei. “It was an honour to be part of the young people’s journey, and we both got a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness from working for IHAD,” said Ian.
Both had volunteered before, and in early 2024, Ian found himself with a bit more time on his hands. So when Kayleigh, who was working as a GP in Whangārei and also at North Haven Hospice, heard about IHAD through a conversation at the gym, she looked into the kaupapa and contacted Kirsty Pillay-Hansen, Kaimanaaki Hauora (Wellbeing Support Coordinator) to sign up.
“We both have a passion for child health through our work and enjoy working with children and young people. We know that a child’s environment and the opportunities provided to them have a huge impact on outcomes in later life. We also get personal satisfaction from helping others and love being outside, so it was an obvious choice.”
Kayleigh spent nearly a year supporting the after-school programme at Tōtara Grove Primary School, working alongside Navigator Bubbie to lead art projects, play sports, and get tamariki involved in community initiatives. She also joined in on holiday programmes.
Alongside his work as a Paediatric doctor for Te Whatu Ora, Ian volunteered at Te Kura o Otangarei 1–2 mornings a week, helping Dreamers with their numeracy and literacy. He joined holiday programmes and ran gym sessions, which were a real highlight for him, along with getting to help build a vegetable garden at a Dreamer’s home.
Some of their shared moments were spent snorkeling and kayaking at Whangārei Heads, and helping out with fundraisers doing sausage sizzles and a drive-through car wash fundraiser where, as they both agree, their car had never been so clean.
Kayleigh’s final session before leaving for the UK was a particularly memorable one, a pampering session with the primary school girls. “I spent the afternoon plaiting hair, and even got my nails and make-up done. I don’t think I could have gone out for dinner with it though as it was quite a look, lots of sparkle.”
For Ian, many special moments came from one-on-one time with the boys.
“It was inspiring and humbling to listen to the stories the boys had to tell; obviously some have had incredible challenges to face so far already in life and for them to share their stories with me was a privilege. I was so impressed with some of the attitudes and aspirations that they had.”
One Dreamer in particular stood out. A quiet boy named Frank, who over time, Ian watched grow in confidence and started to speak up in class.
Kayleigh said she also formed a deep connection with one of the Dreamers during a two-person kayak trip.
“She opened up and told me about the traumas she had experienced in the past and the challenges she had overcome to get to this point. Despite all of that she was intelligent, vibrant, resilient and had the most amazing aspirations for the future. I hope she continues to pursue those dreams, as she certainly has the ability to achieve them.”
It was these kinds of experiences that made their decision to turn their wedding into a fundraiser such an easy one.
“We never expected gifts from anyone for our wedding day, we’re just so happy that people are coming,” says Kayleigh. “But people are generous and many want to give something. It was a no-brainer to invite them to donate to IHAD. It’s an organisation close to our hearts.”
Now based in the UK, Ian is working at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to gain further experience in paediatric rheumatology, while Kayleigh is working as a GP in the NHS. She’s also making the most of her fitness instructor qualifications by offering personal training.
Alongside work, they’re enjoying spending time with family and friends across the UK, seeing the sights and of course, getting ready to tie the knot.
However, they’re clear that their future lies in New Zealand and when they do return, they fully intend to pick up where they left off, volunteering for IHAD and reconnecting with the Dreamers and whānau who made such a big impact on them.
“We just want to thank everyone at IHAD for their amazing work, for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to jump on the waka and be a part of their journey. And a big shout out to the Dreamers!”
