Along with his skates, tool belt and tutu, Nigel, a Building and Construction lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), put on a brave face when he took to the streets of Manukau last month.
But Nigel, a former celebrity bodyguard, admitted to having some reservations about his exploits before the event. “I haven’t roller skated for ten years so apart from the embarrassment factor I’ll be just concentrating on staying in one piece. I’m trying to fit in some practice but I have to admit, this is the scariest thing I’ve ever done – even scarier than when I had to protect Arnold Schwarzenegger at a movie premiere.”
Faced with the dilemma of raising $7,500 to fund his trip, Nigel racked his brain for fundraising ideas. It was then that Shelley came up with the roller skating tutu challenge.
At 6ft 7” and 130kgs, Nigel skated from his MIT construction classroom in Otara to the Westfield Shopping Mall in Manukau City. But this wasn’t an act of exhibitionism or foolishness; he was hoping to raise cash to get himself to Africa. Nigel managed to complete his challenge in 1 hr 45 minutes, with no major injuries.
His effort had a great response en route from local businesses and raised just under $200. He was met at the finish line by his wife, Shelley, daughter Tyla and son Riley, and was completely overwhelmed at his accomplishment.
“I think this was originally meant as a joke,” Nigel said. “The problem is that I never shy away from a challenge, especially if it involves supporting a good cause.”
Nigel’s mission to Africa will see him spending four weeks in the blazing African sun using his building skills to craft homes in Ethiopian villages under Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village project.
During his trip, which takes place this September, Nigel and his fellow Kiwi workers will also help with essential maintenance work on orphanages and a local hospital.
