Brave Bartho tackles epic paddle

DURBAN surfski paddler Danica Bartho will face 162km of unpredictable seas, exhausting distances and an epic battle of mental toughness on her quest to become the first woman to successfully paddle from Richards Bay to Durban. In the process she hopes to draw attention to the PinkDrive and raise as much money as possible for a close friend battling cancer.

Dubbed the Lettie Paddle campaign, Bartho has been inspired by fellow paddling enthusiast Nikki ‘Lettie’ Heynes who – having already overcome breast cancer – is currently at the centre of a brave fight against liver, lung and bone cancer.

Bartho will tackle the four-day long Da’Real Richards Bay to Pirates Downwind Surfski Challenge from 30 October to 3 November with every cent raised by the campaign to be put towards Heynes’ medical bills.

“Lettie is a phenomenal woman who has touched so many lives and now I have this opportunity to touch hers so it was definitely one I wasn’t going to miss!” explained an enthusiastic Bartho.

One of only two women taking part in a single surfski (S1), Bartho remains confident and excited by the adventure she is faced with as she looks to complete the 162km ordeal proudly dressed in pink and flying the Lettie Paddle flag high.

Bartho’s mission has struck a chord with fellow paddlers, many of whom have already made donations to her fundraising drive, or have pledged to sponsor her per kilometer of her paddle from Richards Bay to Durban.

Whilst welcoming any contribution others are able to make, Bartho also has a burning desire to inspire others to go out and motivate someone they know who is fighting cancer through positive actions, facing up to their challenges and embracing a healthy lifestyle.

Anyone interested in making a donation or pledging an amount per kilometre can do so via the campaign’s website or by contacting Danica directly via email danica@biweda.co.za or cellphone 083 626 6001.