In a small town in Whanganui, New Zealand, Vaughan Campbell, a 34-year-old father of three, faced a life-altering moment when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Determined to pursue his lifelong dream of owning a distillery, Vaughan found inspiration in an unexpected place – birthday cakes. Witnessing a news report on the environmental repercussions of food wastage, Vaughan had a groundbreaking idea to repurpose surplus baked goods into alcoholic beverages.

Vaughan’s journey began with symptoms of fatigue and unexplained bruising, leading to a diagnosis that shook his world. Faced with the daunting reality of battling cancer, Vaughan, supported by his loving family, resolved to fight the disease and pursue his passion for distilling. Having dabbled in home brewing as a hobby, Vaughan saw an opportunity to combine his skills with a noble cause – reducing food waste.

Amidst the challenges posed by his illness and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vaughan’s vision took shape. Leveraging his expertise in brewing, he embarked on a mission to transform discarded bread and cakes into high-quality spirits. Collaborating with local bakeries and utilizing a repurposed boiler, Vaughan meticulously crafted a process that converted cake waste into premium vodka.

Through dedication and ingenuity, Vaughan’s distillery, aptly named Good Bones, emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. His commitment to minimizing food waste and creating artisanal spirits earned him recognition, culminating in a triumphant win at the Innovate Whanganui competition. With the support of his community and the resilience borne from his health battle, Vaughan’s dream became a reality.

As he witnessed the fruition of his labor, with bottles of vodka bearing the fruits of his labor, Vaughan found solace in knowing that his legacy was taking shape. Despite the ongoing challenges of managing his distillery alongside his engineering job and health regimen, Vaughan’s spirit remained unwavering. His story serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of turning adversity into opportunity.

Looking ahead, Vaughan’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive, with a new addition to his family on the horizon. His children, eager to embrace their sibling, embody the joy and fulfillment that define Vaughan’s journey. Through unwavering determination and a dash of creativity, Vaughan Campbell has not only conquered personal obstacles but has also brewed a tale of inspiration and triumph in the world of spirits and sustainability.