Lenny Binsbergen along with his younger brother Seppy(13), Mum Christine and Dad Lars made their entrance into Cromwell on Sunday stopping in on the team at Fusee Rouge Cafe for a delightful brunch and catch-up with locals.
Diagnosed with bone cancer in 2019, the Taranaki based teenager is enjoying a much-anticipated South Island tour, lapping up southern style hospitality, and taking every opportunity to enjoy three full weeks of new experiences and people.
After spending 210 nights over two years in Auckland’s Starship Hospital, spending time in Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell is like a dream.
“The whole trip is amazing, I can’t tell you what I’ve enjoyed the most because we have just loved everything, especially the people.
“We’ve been on a 4WD trip, met Richie McCaw, been on a tugboat and went hunting through the Hakataramea Valley. My brother Seppy fell asleep on the tugboat, the crew reckoned he’d make a great port worker,” Lenny explains with his tongue in cheek.
From Cromwell, the family travelled through to Queenstown looking forward to the oldest Binsbergen boy arriving to join the fun. “My brother Finnley is meeting us in Queenstown, and we will then spend a week in Wanaka before heading home again,” he says.
Christine and Lars have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of people throughout the country who have helped immensely as they support their son through his cancer challenge.
“Lenny is very positive, he has started a new clinical trial, and no-one knows what this will do, but we are staying very positive.
“Lenny has been through a lot, and it brings us all so much joy to be able to conquer the South Island together,” Christine says.
Nicola Brockie from Fusee Rouge read about Lenny’s goal to travel south with his family and jumped on-board immediately welcoming the family to enjoy a Fusee Rouge brunch.
“If there is something we can do to make the Binsbergen’s road trip easier, then we will do it. “We loved having them call in and they certainly added a delightful charm to the day.
“The team at Fusee Rouge loved hosting them and wish them all the very best for the remainder of their trip and beyond.” First stop in Queenstown? Getting Lenny’s phone fixed after Lars ran over it with the car.
“It’s been such a memorable trip so far, we have loved meeting so many people and thank everyone for their kindness and support as we continue on our journey.” Lars adds.
