Little Salt Rock adventurer climbs Sani Pass for children’s cancer charity

The saying ‘dynamite comes in small packages’ rang true this weekend after five-year-old Salt Rock local Cuan Ten-Bokum put his determination to the test when he joined his mom and dad in walking up Sani Pass for the charity, CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation SA).

Cuan and his dad Paul decided last minute to enter the CHOC event to join mom, Carolyn, and give her support.

“Sponsored vehicles were there as back up helping those who needed assistance up and down the pass, however snow closed the pass and the last 3kms was full of wonderful but often treacherous snow which made the walk even more interesting,” said Carolyn.

The family set off with friends and almost 700 walkers with the aim of making it to the top.

“We never thought Cuan would actually make it on his own and our intention was for him to get a lift in the support vehicle and to then try and do the last bit of the hike to the top.”

A few grumbles started en-route which raised a few smiles as other walkers passed the family, watching their journey.

Many words of encouragement by friends and strangers kept Cuan going.

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“Dad’s ‘kettlebell’ training came in handy when having to carry the tired legs for a bit.”

After setting off at just after 9.15am, the Ten-Bokum Family reached the top at about midday, the last 3kms taking over one hour as the altitude, thick snow and wind made the last section quite ‘interesting’.

“There is nothing more tantalising than seeing your destination so close but those final few steps felt like a lifetime,” said Carolyn.

After some fun playing in the thick snow at the top of Sani Pass it was time to make the walk down.

“The plan to get Cuan into the vehicle at the 4km mark to get him the rest of the way down by car went out the window when he walked straight passed the cars and declared he was walking all the way to the bottom!

“Together with our good friends Scott Pearmain and Mandy Standton who were also on the mountain achieving their own personal goals, we reached the bottom of the pass at around 3.30pm.”

This was just in time for some generous food provided for by CHOC for the tired, weary although exhilarated walkers.

In total Cuan walked about 15km out of the 17km on his own which included almost 1000m of vertical ascent.

“It’s a day we as parents will remember for a very long time, to say that we are proud would be an understatement,” said Paul and Carolyn.

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