Daniela tackles Kili for CHOC
Maris Stella pupil Daniela Dus has always dreamt of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and will realise her dream as part of the CHOC Kilimanjaro Expedition this month.
DANIELA Dus, a grade 11 pupil at Maris Stella will live her dream this month as she climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for CHOC.
September is Childhood Cancer awareness month where people around the country reflect and stand together in support of the many children and parents affected by cancer. The teenager is thrilled to be able to live her dream and support a good cause in the process when she joins the CHOC Kilimanjaro Expedition from 22 to 27 September.
As an outdoor person and nature lover, hiking was always a hobby for Daniela. She has enjoyed hiking with her dad and uncle since she was just 10 years old. “My dad loves hiking and mountain climbing and I also developed a passion for hiking long distances. In grade eight, I decided I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with my dad before I finish school and its been my goal ever since,” the adventurer said.
Since she decided to do the hike early this year, Daniela has been training very hard at the gym almost every day and has undertaken major hikes in preparation, including a 10 hour hike to the Rhino Horn near Underberg which was more than 3000m high. “I also run up and down the 150 stairs at my gran’s flat sometimes with a backpack and weights just to get used to the hiking boots, weight of the backpack and climbing uphill.”
She was doing a long hike up Sani Pass when she saw many CHOC supporters and found out about the CHOC Kilimanjaro Expedition. “I immediately wanted to dedicate my expedition towards supporting and raising funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation in SA. As I walk up my mountain, I appeal to you to follow your heart and to make a donation directly to CHOC. Your donation will help these courageous children reach the top of their mountain!” she appealed.
Besides preparing for the climb, Daniela is busy trying to get friends, family and the community to make donations towards the CHOC Expedition. “My family and friends have responded well with sponsorships and donations and I just want everyone to assist if they can.”
“I’m so excited and can’t wait for the adventure to start because this has been my dream for a long time. I’m doing it with my dad and some friends from church for CHOC, it just feels so right and I hope to come back a changed person,” she added.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can pay directly into CHOC’s account: CHOC-Durban, Standard Bank, Account Number: 241 319978, Branch Code: 007 205. You can track your donation by visiting www.givengain.com/learn/activists or visit www.choc.org.za for progress and photographs of the expedition.
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