LAST Wednesday, Danica Bartho began her epic journey to complete the DaReal Richards Bay to Durban Challenge, which she successfully completed at the weekend after facing what she described as ‘big and scary seas’.
Bartho is the first woman to complete the gruelling 162km surfski paddle from Richards Bay to Durban, finishing with a demanding downwind leg in huge swells, and in the process raised funds for close friend and cancer patient Nikki ‘Lettie’ Heyns.
At the end of this challenge, her ‘Lettie Paddle’ campaign has raised close to R100 000 through generous sponsorships, donations and pledges.
‘I have been totally blown away by people’s generosity,’ said Bartho. ‘There is no end to this, and I hope that the awareness and support that we have created here can be sustained.’
29 OCTOBER 2013
Danica Bartho began a four-day journey on Wednesday, which will see her paddling from Richards Bay to Durban.
Her punishing challenge is all in aid of drawing attention to the PinkDrive during breast cancer awareness month and raise funds for fellow paddling enthusiast Nikki ‘Lettie’ Heynes, who is currently battling liver, lung and bone cancer.
Bartho will face 162km of unpredictable seas, engaging in a mental and physical test to be the first women to paddle from Richards Bay to Durban with a mission to raise as much money as possible to help pay for her close friend Lettie’s medical expenses.
‘Lettie is a phenomenal woman who has touched so many lives and now I have this opportunity to touch hers, so it was definitely one I wasn’t going to miss,’ explained Bartho.
Lettie also overcame breast cancer a few years ago.
Bartho has been training hard over the past few weeks and says she is fuelled to complete this challenge motivated by Lettie’s fighting spirit.
‘It will obviously be a really tough few days in the ski and who knows what Mother Nature might serve up while we’re out at sea. I’m sure it’s going to be wild, but what an adventure!’ said Bartho.
Apart from raising money for her friend, Danica’s mission is to ‘really move, inspire and motivate people’.
‘It’s more than just the money, it’s about helping people believe in themselves and encouraging them to make a difference in others’ lives,’ emphasises Bartho.
If you are interested in making a donation towards this campaign, visit www.lettiepaddle.co.za or contact Danica directly on 083 626 6001.
