Two friends from Strand who completed the Ironman African Championship in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) just a month ago were suitably inspired to follow it up after their return with a 7,4 km crossing between Robben Island and Blouberg – for the sole purpose of raising funds for cancer warrior Zhara du Toit, the Grade 5 learner at Lochnerhof Primary who was diagnosed with cancer in January (“Tienjarige kankerlyer reik só uit”, 1 March).
Her plight hit home for Chappie Jackson (42) and Cobus Coetsee (41), who were touched by Zhara’s diagnosis and as parents themselves wanted to make a meaningful contribution towards her treatment and also towards creating awareness for her fundraising efforts.
The Robben Island crossing has long been a bucket list item for both Jackson and Coetzee for some time, but when they were challenged by a friend to do it, it just made more sense to link it up to a cause that had been fresh on their minds.
“We came across the relay swim event that the school hosted to raise funds for Zhara, and we decided that if kids can swim a 3,8km distance, then surely we can complete the Robben Island crossing. That was all the motivation we needed,” said Jackson.
Coetsee echoed these sentiments, and related that despite not being entirely prepared for the crossing, it was a small price to pay considering what was at stake. On Thursday 30 March, conditions were near-perfect and they dived in.
“We really didn’t know what to expect as this was our first time doing the crossing,” said Coetsee. “The first quarter to a third was tough, after that it flattened a bit, but then the last push was tough again, the sea was choppy and our mouths were just filling with sea water. The scenery was amazing with Table Mountain to our right, and the experience reminded us how small we are, we’re just a drop in the ocean.”
He added that the experience was not so much to challenge themselves but from the start was all about Zhara and creating that awareness, which proved successful from the beginning as people opened up their hearts and purses, contributing directly into the school account.
“When I struggled in the swim and got cramps I just thought of Zhara and that spurred me on. Thousands of rands were contributed, and we just feel privileged that as able-bodied healthy individuals we were able to achieve this feat.”
Jackson also pointed out that, like the school’s relay swim, the point was to rise to the challenge with a good cause in mind, taking it one stride at a time, and having Zhara’s plight as the motivation just made the personal accomplishment all the more meaningful. “The biggest victory was creating that awareness and assisting towards the fundraising efforts,” said Jackson, “When we hit the shore there was a feeling of accomplishment, not for us but for the small victory on behalf of Zhara.”
The duo concluded that they are currently considering another fundraising effort for Zhara, the details of which will be made public within the next few weeks.
