V’s New York dream come true

After more than a year of hard training and continuous fund raising, Etete’s Veronica Mtetwa’s dream of running the New York Marathon has finally become a reality.

Now back home, V – as she is known – still cannot believe it has all really happened.

“It all still feels surreal – like it was a dream. It came and went so quickly, but I feel amazing,” said V, who nearly lost her once in a lifetime chance to take part in the prestigious 42 kilometre marathon which had over 50 000 runners take part this year.

“I had an injury six weeks before the race. The day I left SA, a doctor told me I would not even make 18 kilometres, which was heartbreaking.

“I knew I was stronger than that and I pushed through not just for me, but for all my supporters – they kept me going when I felt like I could not take another step.”

V’s Ballito employer and friend, Jody Cameron was instrumental in helping V raise funding for this trip and said the whole New York experience was insane. “We didn’t know what to expect and it completely blew our minds!”

V said she was quite shocked at how busy New York was.

“It’s buzzing all the time – there is never silence even when you are sleeping you can hear the streets are busy. Times Square was unbelievable – I just couldn’t stop staring for hours and hours.” As exciting and overwhelming as the New York was, Cameron said V was quite relieved to go back home.

“As we were boarding in Dubai on our way home, V said she is so happy to see South African faces again and that traveling long distance is not as fun as she thought.”

V’s next crazy mission is to raise R1 million in a month for Summerhill House.

“Summerhill House started out just like us, an employer and employee worked together to make a difference – in their case it was to feed the hungry children in Etete. After spending the last few months working closely with them we have learnt very quickly that they are in need of support and blessings, so we are going to do something really crazy and attempt to raise R1 million in one month.”

The money will go towards upgrading their security, purchasing a vehicle, completing the construction of house three and four, upgrading their kitchen and the holiday feeding plan for December/ January.

To get involved, go to her Facebook page, Dreaming of New York and click on the link to www. givengain.com.

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