Personal message

Dear Friends,

For those who don't know me, I am Stu. I was born in the city of Durban and grew up on a farm in Kwazulu- Natal. My early years were spent in nature and I learnt the Zulu language. I studied Social Sciences at the University of Cape Town and graduated with an Honours in International Relations. After University, I lived in Washington DC, USA, for 3 years working in the NGO industry.

In 2013 I changed my career, after my father's unexpected death, and attended game ranger school in northern Kwazulu- Natal. Whilst there, I studied nature guiding and worked as a field guide for a luxury safari company. I moved back to Cape Town in 2014 and took up guiding for student travel. I then began working for a number of companies as a freelance guide catering for private travel, which explored much of the Western Cape. In 2016, I started my own business focusing primarily on Guided Experiences in the Western Cape. I have also been involved in guiding and teaching disadvantaged youth about the importance of our natural areas and hope that tourism will benefit more marginalized communities in the future.

I live on the slopes of the mountains, in the Winelands, and enjoy the outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, trail running and scenic photography are some of my favourite activities. I love reading and watching shows on both nature and history and building scale military models. Socially, I am keen on leisurely visits to farmers markets and vineyards or the beach and pubs with friends.

My character, background and professional experience make it a duty for me to support organizations such as Home of Hope. The Ride for a Child campaign is a way of giving back to our youth and South Africa as a whole.

A couple years ago, through Home of Hope, I raised over R10000 for an abused child with foetal alcohol syndrome. This year I will again, try to make a difference in a child's life by nearly buckling myself in the 109km/68mile Argus Cycle Tour. It is worth the pain to know that someone's life is a bit better because of it. 

It is now time for me to make a difference in the life of another child who is less privileged than us. Meet Naomi, the child I will be riding for. 

Naomi is 9 years old, she will be turning 10 years old this year. Naomi was born with cerebral palsy, she was in and out of foster care previously until Home of Hope met Naomi and instantly knew that she belonged with them. In 2018 she had an operation on her legs with the end goal of being able to walk without walking sticks and a mechanical chair that assists Naomi in getting up and downstairs. Naomi is a true fighter and despite her having to always walk with her walking sticks it does not stop her from being a happy child and taking part in activities. 

I am asking, please, for a small donation. I know we all have busy lives and these things tend to be out of our sight and minds but if you can spare whatever you can to help myself and ultimately Naomi tackle this ride to give her more assistance and hope, we would be extremely grateful. The last campaign was a huge success and thank you to those friends who donated even a small amount. Everything matters and it will mean a lot to our friendship.

Let me know if you have any questions or messages of support and please could you forward my link to any friends who would be willing to donate. 

Thanks guys and gals.

Stu 

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