27km for 27 days – Leilani’s fight against abuse
Nearly three decades after Leilani Kuter was attacked and raped as a teenager, she has taken on a massive challenge of body and mind to raise funds for the fight against women abuse, and to inspire every woman her journey reaches.
It’s been 27 years since the horrible event that changed Leilani Kuter’s life forever. She became stronger, more resilient and her friendly smile rarely leaves her face now.
Rape and attempted murder are not light subjects, and might just be the toughest things anyone can ever try to rise above. Leilani is a beacon of hope and an example for all, as she still fights the fight against violence against women each day.
Twenty-seven years later, she challenged herself and started her journey of walking 27 kilometres every day for 27 days, to raise R270 000 for the Tears Foundation Charity. ‘Twenty-seven’ has become her mantra; her call to action and a reminder that women are stronger than the obstacles they face. Through this campaign, she hopes to inspire others with her story, to show them that they are not alone and that things do get better as time passes.
Every day sees her taking on this distance in a new city across Gauteng. Nearly halfway through, she has raised R216 000 online, bringing her fairly close to her goal, earlier than expected. But, she hopes to raise far more than her target, allowing her to help many more woman than originally attended.
Early on Thursday morning, 26 September, she ventured into Krugersdorp to take on the hills and valleys as she cut through Noordheuwel between Ontdekkers Road and Robert Broom Drive.
Up next for her is to find an actual rapist and interview him to find out why someone would do such a thing. She will be doing this as part of the documentary being made about her journey.
To donate to this cause, visit the crowd-funding website Back-a-Buddy at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/leilani-kuter.
