22 January 2020 - A couple’s tandem cycle ride from Dunedin to Wellington, to call for increased PHARMAC funding, has been marred at the final hurdle, by an encounter with Parliament’s security.

Julian and Camilla Cox made the journey over 18 days, towing a coffin and a skeleton named Hope behind them, and collecting signatures for a petition. But as they tried to place the coffin on the main steps of Parliament they were stopped by security and told they had to move to the lower steps. While they complied, Camilla described the instruction as disgusting, disrespectful, and small-minded.

Around 25 people gathered outside Parliament grounds to welcome the couple, including Malcolm Mulholland who was involved in the recent fight for PHARMAC to fund breast cancer drugs. Julian said it was bittersweet to see the group there.

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