Personal message

Almost 38 years ago, my daughter, Janine, about 5 days old at the time, had to undergo an emergency blood transfusion at Red Cross Hospital.  Her condition was considered very serious as, without the transfusion, she stood very little chance of a normal life and the possibility of an early death was very real.

The staff at Red Cross did a wonderful job, and she quickly recovered and grew up to be both healthy and productive.  She has also given us our first grandchild who celebrated his 6th birthday, in April.

The opportunity

RCH is trying to raise R10m to expand the ICU and includes the following sorely needed upgrades:

• To increase the current capacity of ICU from 22 to 39 beds.
• To establish 8 isolation cubicles which will have 4 beds each to prevent cross infection and provide more privacy
• To build a 10 bed High Care Unit for neonatal patients
• To establish support counselling and recreational areas for parents and volunteers
• To provide improved resting areas for ICU staff who work 24/7.

My Background.

I am 61 yeas of age, and a stroke survivor.  I have also previously survived a ruptured appendix and bowel obstruction which resulted in an extended stay in ICU.  I am eternally thankful to God for healing for myself and my family.

The Event

In order to create awareness and funding for the Red Cross Hospital, I will attempt to ride 1600 km in 24 hours and planning to complete it in 20 hours - on my motorcycle WITH my daughter as pillion (my first time having a pillion rider on an endurance ride, and also her first real pillion ride).

I must emphasise – this is NOT a race, but, an endurance ride which is well planned, and for which I have to prepare both physically and mentally.  There are challenges and risks, but the planning helps to overcome these.  I have previously done 1600 km in 16.5 hours and 2000 km in 22.5 hours.

Therefore I am confident of finishing the ride within the time frame.  We will be setting out at 02:00 on Friday 17th June 2016 hoping to finish at about 22:00 on the same day.  The start and finish is at Red Cross Children’s Hospital.  The route will take us north on the N7 with fuel stops at Citrusdal, Vanrhynsdorp, Calvinia, Brandvlei, Keimoes, Pofadder, Springbok, Bitterfontein, and Citrusdal again, before the last stop at RCH.

For up to date news and progress reports, please click INTERESTED on our Facebook Event Page at : https://www.facebook.com/events/1093200914074506/?active_tab=highlights. 

You can follow our progress on the day by viewing our trip page at :https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=10bc75739bf22a4992. 

Friends, and anyone interested, are welcome to donate directly to the RCH by clicking the DONATE button on this page.

Prayers are always welcome as well.

Thanks and God bless.

THAT WAS BEFORE THE EVENT.  WE CAN HAPPILY REPORT THAT WE COMPLETED THE RIDE ON FRIDAY 17TH JUNE COMPLETING 1700 KM IN 20 HOURS - AS PLANNED.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS.

YOU CAN CONTINUE TO DONATE IN APPRECIATION.

GOD BLESS.

 

A BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Suzukisouth : long distance bike check and service.

BiketoBike : in helmet Sena communications system and Biker grips.

Xkulcha : Riding pants, reflective vests and gloves.

Jaffers Caltex Garage (Klipfontein Road) - 2 tanks of petrol.

A Friend - over 4 tanks of petrol.

An anonymous person - 5 tanks of petrol.

Donations