With just weeks before they tackle Kenya’s gruelling 21km Safaricom half marathon, the all-women Celebrate Life 2012 team is raring to go. Their quest to raise R1 million for rhino conservation has been spurred on by the increase in rhino poaching in South Africa this year. At last count more than 200 this year.
To raise awareness and funds, 10 ordinary women have undertaken to run 21km through the Lewa Conservancy in northern Kenya in aid of the Tusk Trust – a respected worldwide organisation which raises funds for anti-poaching projects to help save rhino and elephant throughout Africa.
The trust, of which Prince William is the royal patron, also supports various rural settlements and the education of local people in wildlife conservation.
Led by uMhlanga-based nursing sister, Cherry Armstrong, the team has already held several fund-raising events, including a golf day at Mount Edgecombe Country Club and a wine tasting and auction fund-raiser last week.
Their next fund-raiser is a “Give it Horns” party at Origin in Clark Road on Saturday, June 9. The night club will donate the proceeds of the night to the rhino conservation project and all deejays will donate their time free. The line-up includes Martin McHale, Spindoctor, Funky G, Funky B, Amigo, Veranda Panda, Nemesis, Mark E Mark, Chef, Greg Watson, Disruptkidd, Nightvision and Icarus. Door price is R60 before 10pm and R80 after.
The team has also enjoyed the support of The Sharks rugby team, thanks to team members Megan Harris, who is The Sharks PR and communications manager, and Lara Plumtree, wife of Sharks coach John. “The guys are right behind us every step of the way,” she said.
And for most of the women, training for the June 30 event has literally meant taking it one step at a time.
Joined by other team members, journalist Debbie Reynolds, who has always baulked at running, managed a 10km trail walk/run recently at Durban’s Green Hub. “The 21km we will be doing at Lewa is a trail run at high altitude with high temperatures, so we really have to put in the time and distance over the next few weeks,” said Reynolds. “It’s going to be tough, but we are all very committed.”
Armstrong climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with 12 women in 2005 to raise money for Hospice. On this fund-raising adventure, the remaining team members are Catrina King, mother of three boys, property consultant Mandy Hughes, guesthouse owner Cheryl Burger, company director Jannine Boyes and radio DJ Nicole da Silva.
The team is appealing to individual and corporate sponsors for donations, which may be made through their fund-raising number 803118 to http:/uk.virginmoney/giving/com/team/life2012 or use the local bank account which is Life celebrate 2012, FNB, Durban North, Account No: 6234780176. For more information about events and sponsorship, contact Cherry Armstrong at [email protected] or Debbie Reynolds at [email protected] – Lifestyle Reporter