Cape Town – It has been five years since his brother was murdered and to raise funds for a three- to six-month mental health rehabilitation programme, endurance athlete Lee Schoombie is embarking on an extreme challenge.
Next Friday, he will do the Freedom Swim/Robben Island Swim (7.5km), an extended CT Cycle Tour Route (140km) and the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon route (56km) – in a day.
Schoombie founded an NGO, the Carlstrong Foundation, after his brother, Carl, was murdered in 2015. He was dragged from a taxi, beaten and left in the street by his assailants. He died in hospital four days later.
The foundation was established to assist people dealing with trauma, emotional disorders and mental health issues and through his endurance sporting events, Schoombie, 30, wants to create awareness around such issues.
“I wanted to do the Robben Island cross during March but then lockdown happened. But I have now decided on this endurance challenge to commemorate the five-year anniversary of my brother’s passing on November 25,” said Schoombie.
In his motivation for tackling these endurance events, Schoombie talks passionately about his experiences with such traumas.
Schoombie said he hopes to reach his target of R60 000 in donations, which would cover about half the actual cost for the rehabilitation recovery programme.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to find ways and means of building and creating my own emotional strength. It comes pretty easy to me, but what may seem easy and very straightforward for me, may seem daunting and virtually impossible to someone else.
“Not because they can’t achieve the emotional stability they seek – but rather because they are in genuine need of professional help and support, which comes with a hefty price tag.
“Many are not aware but you will battle to find a reputable recovery/rehabilitation facility that charges less than R120 000 for a three-month programme,” said Schoombie.
To donate, visit https:// bit. ly/3l7SuRa or alternatively contact Lee Schoombie at 083 7655 788.
Cape Times