Going pink for Lettie

LAST year Durban North resident Danica Bartho made history when she become the first woman to successfully paddle from Richards Bay to Durban (162km) and, in the process raise as much money as possible for a close friend battling cancer.

Bartho paddled under the ‘Lettie Paddle’ campaign, 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 said there has been a Lettie Run and Lettie Ride so the next natural progression was the Lettie Paddle.

“I’ve known Lettie for many years and her fantastic positive attitude has always been a standout characteristic. Despite the battles she’s facing, she’s always doing it with a smile. She is a phenomenal woman who has touched so many lives and now I have another opportunity to touch hers,” Bartho explained.

Through Bartho’s efforts, the current Varsity College Surfski Series is also dedicating a race to Lettie on 11 February. She has already raised more than R140 000 for Heynes’ medical bills and said she hopes people come out to support the event.

“I’m hoping to see a lot of pink shirts. This event is about celebrating life and vitality. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and everyone I’ve met either knows someone who’s battling cancer or has lost someone to cancer. Besides trying to raise money for Lettie, I also really want to motivate and inspire people,” she said.

Anyone interested in making a donation or pledging an amount per kilometre can do so via the campaign’s website (www.lettiepaddle.co.za) or by contacting Bartho directly via email (danica@biweda.co.za).