[WATCH] Diver goes 55km in a wheelchair
Even though Robert is a paraplegic, he decided to raise awareness for the Handicapped Scuba Association by riding 55km in his wheelchair.
Robert Earle, the man who conquered 55kms of uphills, downhills and yellow lanes in a wheelchair, is a scuba-diving paraplegic and as a tribute to everyone with a disability and a final salute to the divers who recently lost their lives in a car accident on their way back from Mozambique, he vowed to ride the distance for them.
Inspired by the work that the non-profit company, Handicapped Scuba Association South Africa (HSASA) does, Robert also wanted to raise awareness and funds for HSASA through his wheelchair run, in order for more disabled people to get the opportunity to learn how to scuba-dive.
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
His journey started at Key West Shopping Centre, early on Saturday morning, 18 August, then he made his way past Cradlestone Mall, Lanseria, and finally reached the Moth Hall in Centurion.
By the time he reached Cradlestone Mall, he was in his zone.
Petri and Jenny van den Berg, founders of 7th Heaven Scuba, a local dive centre, accompanied Robert on his journey and said that it was incredible to see his sheer will and enthusiasm.
Photo: Submitted.
Robert said although he enjoyed the trip, it was still a difficult journey.
It was indeed a personal challenge for Robert, but this isn’t the first time he has done things like this for charity and to thank God for giving him excellent health despite his disability. He cycled from Krugersdorp to Bloemfontein in 1986 and in the mid 90s he and his friend swam across the length of the then Hendrik Verwoerd Dam, which is now known as the Gariep Dam.
He wants to tell the disabled community not to cut themselves off from the world and from life.
Robert has now issued a challenge to the community to also donate towards HSASA as they still need help.
To donate, use the following banking details:
Name: Handicap Scuba Association SA
Bank: Absa
Type of account: Cheque
Account number: 4083663706
Branch code: 632005
Reference: Robert Wheelchair run
Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
Send proof of payment to: hsasa.office@gmail.com
Watch how Robert Earle rides 55km for HSASA:
https://www.facebook.com/7thHeavenScuba/videos/1079418048891092/
https://www.facebook.com/7thHeavenScuba/videos/232094634159416/
https://www.facebook.com/7thHeavenScuba/videos/1568415023263565/
https://www.facebook.com/7thHeavenScuba/videos/294882001064079/
https://www.facebook.com/7thHeavenScuba/videos/2100579750260735/
https://www.facebook.com/eugene.norval/videos/10157861909824698/
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