Walking for the children
Not deterred by the physical agony he endured, Johan Ferreira plans to face the the challenge head-on next year again, this time doing it step by step with his brother.
MEMEL – The annual Paruk’s Hardware Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk is an event when the entire Newcastle community rallies as one.
As people walked the 50 kilometres walk, Johan Ferreira pushed his body to the limit for a different cause.
Read: Grab your blood buddy for the Memel Walk
On August 9, he took on the Memel Walk to raise funds for the Drakensberg Primary School Feeding Scheme.
As the initiative caters for 20 children from less fortunate households, Johan asked for donations for every kilometre he walked.
“I received a lot of support and contributions from the community. Elmar Gouws from Spur donated 50 hamburgers, Hofina gave 50 dozen eggs, and Chantell Borman, an old Drakensberg Primary pupil, donated 50kg of mealiemeal.”
Other contributors to Johan’s cause included Melo’s Pub and Grill, Alistair James and Majuba Glass.
Thanking his sponsors for for their support in raising much needed food for the feeding scheme, Johan said the walk was far from easy.
Also see: Lace up for the bloody good walk
“At one stage I was ready to call it quits. I had blisters and cramps. I was in an ambulance getting a massage when my brother, Quentin, put his head into the vehicle and said I should remember I was doing this for hungry children and I should continue for them.”
That was all the encouragement he needed.
“Quentin actually climbed out of his car and walked 30km with me, just to motivate me. Being able to walk with my brother was a wonderful experience.”
Not deterred by the physical agony he endured, Johan plans to face the the challenge head-on next year again, this time doing it step by step with his brother.
