Losing Mum prompts fundraising drive

The Ranford family: Mike, Anne-Marie, Zara and Darryll.

Just weeks after losing his mum to cancer, Mike Ranford has become one of New Zealand's top Dry July fundraisers.

Mike, 22 from Taupō, is taking part in the month-long fundraiser in memory of his mum, Anne-Marie, who passed away on June 21 after being diagnosed with stage four cancer just six months earlier.

The young fabricator, who has worked for Dan Hay Fabrication for six years, says his mother was his biggest supporter.

"Mum was my best mate. She was always the loudest person cheering me on, no matter what I was doing. She had a way of making anyone laugh and would do anything for the people she loved."

Anne-Marie was diagnosed in December 2025 after cancer was discovered in her liver, lungs and bones. Despite being told she likely had less than a year to live, she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy at the chemotherapy treatment room at Taupō hospital while doctors searched for treatment options.

When no further treatments were available, Anne-Marie returned home, where Hospice supported the family to care for her during her final weeks.

"The team at the chemotherapy treatment room at Taupō Hospital Lounge and Hospice weren't just caring for Mum - they cared for all of us.

"They showed Mum so much compassion and dignity and helped our family through the hardest time we've ever faced. We'll never forget what they did for us."

Anne-Marie died peacefully at home aged 48, surrounded by her husband, children Mike and Zara, and close family friend Mark.

Her funeral in Taupō reflected the impact she had on the community, with Founders Chapel filled beyond capacity and many more people watching online.

Mike says the care his family received made an enormous difference during the hardest months of their lives.

"If sharing Mum's story encourages even one more person to support Dry July, or helps another family feel less alone, then that's exactly what Mum would have wanted."

Funds raised through Dry July support three charities that provide practical, emotional and rehabilitation support for New Zealanders affected by cancer: Cancer Support New Zealand, Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL) and Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand.

You can support Mike at: https://www.dryjuly.co.nz/users/michael-ranford