For the last three years, employees from one of Aotearoa’s leading insurance providers, Suncorp New Zealand, have walked, run and climbed their way to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research.

Spirit to Cure is an employee-led initiative focused on improving the everyday lives of people affected by cancer. Partnering with both Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, the fitness-focused event has been a hit, with hundreds of employees taking part across the motu.

Since its inception in 2021, the event has raised over $200,000 for Cancer Research Trust New Zealand.

“We are so grateful to the team at Suncorp for their unwavering commitment to improving cancer outcomes through Spirit to Cure,” says Michelle Sullivan, CEO of Cancer Research Trust New Zealand. “The funds raised over the last three years are helping fuel research that could lead to the next breakthrough.”

Jane Brewer, Executive General Manager, Consumer, for Suncorp New Zealand and the driving force behind the event, says it’s wonderful to see teams from across the organisation get behind the cause.

“Cancer touches all of us in some way. What’s been truly special is seeing our people come together with such heart and energy - not just to raise funds, but to stand alongside those in our communities who are facing the toughest of journeys. It’s about making a real difference, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

Employee-backed research

With funds from last year’s event, Suncorp employees selected a specific research project to support: a Malaghan Institute initiative to further enhance CAR T-cell therapy.

Building on Malaghan’s progress in improving access to this lifesaving treatment in Aotearoa, the project aims to make CAR T-cell therapy even more effective, safer and longer-lasting—initially for people with blood cancers, and eventually for some solid tumours.

Michelle notes that with blood cancers among the most common cancers in New Zealand, the project has the potential to improve outcomes for countless New Zealanders. “By specifically funding the CAR T-cell project, we can keep the Suncorp NZ team updated on its progress over the coming months and years—it will be exciting to see the impact of their efforts.”

Determined to raise more than ever, the next Spirit to Cure events are coming up in October and November 2025. “The passion and commitment of our people and supporters has been inspiring. Every step, every kilometre, every conversation - it all adds up to something powerful. And we’re just getting started.” says Jane.

Thank you, Suncorp New Zealand, for your ongoing commitment to improving cancer outcomes in Aotearoa. And good luck for the next Spirit to Cure challenge!

Click here for information about Spirit to Cure.