Canoeists stop at nothing to fight cancer

MULTI-Duzi marathonists, Cliff Glenn and Martin Potgieter recently tackled the Duzi Canoe Marathon to raise funds for the fight against cancer.

Martin Potgieter epitomises the resilience,courage and tenacity of the human spirit having had two cancer operations himself.

His father, Jimmy Potgieter was a Dusi Marathon winner,and sadly died from cancer. Martin thinks mostly of others and has been recognised for saving two people in difficulty in the Duzi, who may both have drowned had it not been for his assistance.

Martin has also been known to have done the Non-Stop Duzi, which entails a run back to Pietermaritzburg and then a cycle back to Durban, with a half hour break in between to raise money for cancer.

Cliff Glenn had the following to say of his experience with Martin Potgieter: “Martin, jy is n yster! It was my priviledge to have done the Duzi with you this year. I would not have made it without your guts and determination.” He adds, ” My twentieth Duzi was dedicated to Dr Ian Player, your father, Jimmy, who showed me and taught me the river on trips as a 15 year old and the Gandy family, who supported me and took me on trips.”

These two enduring individuals, who completed the arduous canoe marathon for their cause will continue to raise funds for a young boy named Robbie Eddles, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2008 after medical tests that ensued from a lump in Robbie’s groin at the tender age of six years old.

Robbie’s arduous journey of treatment began and after months of intensive chemotherapy, much to the relief of his family and friends, Robbie went into remission. But in January 2014, the family were dealt a second blow following a routine MRI scan that confirmed that Robbie had relapsed and that the leukaemia had returned. Again his family and community went into shock and grappled with the reality of such a happy and healthy young boy who now faced a daunting road ahead.

A rising star in his school and community, Robbie typically loves spending time with his peers and pet Labrador, Izzy, as well as swimming, reading and honing his skills in PlayStation and Lego building. Currently he has to put that on hold as he undergoes the initial stages of his chemotherapy treatment at the newly established Capital Haematology Hospital in West Ridge, Durban.

Although Robbie is responding well to treatment and is currently in remission, his doctor has confirmed that he will need to undergo a life-saving bone marrow stem cell transplant. Neither of Robbie’s older sisters has positively matched as a potential donor for him and the family will now turn to the South African Bone Marrow Registry to find an unrelated match.

After seeing the story of three year old Anika Benade in the Vryheid Herald (February 20), Glenn and Potgieter decided to continue with fundraising and split the proceeds of their efforts between the Eddles and Benade families, giving both children and their families a chance at a better life.

Glenn approached the Sunflower Fund for assistance, but was informed that funds managed by their organisation could not be distributed only to specific people or families, but that all funds raised by and for The Sunflower Fund go solely toward the cost

of educating and recruiting more potential bone marrow stem cell donors

for inclusion on the South African Bone Marrow Registry to give hope to

patients like Robbie Eddles and Anika Benade.

Glenn persevered in his attempts to set their plans in motion, not giving up in the face of adversity and arranged for the funds to be managed by Umfolozi Canoe Club, who agreed to use their banking account for Martin Potgieter’s Cancer Fund which will be controlled by Patrick Friend, their Treasurer.

For anyone who would like to contribute, the banking details are as follows: Umfolozi cc; ABSA Current Account; 4052330499; Vryheid

Branch; 334 524, using the reference ‘MP Cancer.’ Alternatively, contact Patrick on 082 893 2609.