Amputees, Mike Minnie and Paul Steyn have taken on a five month, three thousand kilometre walk to raise awareness and funds to allow fellow amputees to walk again.The diatomic duo are working with the Paul Steyn Foundation to make a difference in the life of amputees who cannot afford prosthetics.
The pair began their trek on 26 June and are expecting to finish it in November. The perilous journey from Pretoria to Cape Town spans over 3 000km.
Their selfless quest has already impacted the life of six people, who thanks to the funds raised, have received prosthetic legs which will greatly improve their quality of life. Each prosthetic limb is valued at over R100 000.
The mission has not been an easy one so far with founder and co-walker Paul developing an abscess in his knee and forcing him to bring the journey to a halt to have surgery.
Steyn remained determined and successfully rejoined Minnie on the road again when he reached Jeffreys Bay.
Now the duo aided by their trusty support driver, Lourens Delport, are back on their feet and determined to finish their journey to help amputees get back on their feet as well.
The two say that the walk is amazing but it is particularly strenuous as they have to use 100 percent of their energy to keep going, unlike able-bodied people.
In spite of the difficulties, strenuous weather conditions and challenges along the way, the due believe their goal to be worth the struggle.
While travelling to Cape Town, the team will also be hosting talks at a number of schools, churches and community organisations and will be past through, East London, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, George, Hermanus and Stellenbosch along the way.
Donations are heavily relied on to keep the good walk going and they are still in need of accommodation as they make their way to Cape Town.
With over a thousand remaining people on their database in need of assistance, the foundation needs all the help it can get.
If you would like to donate to the cause, all you have to do is SMS ‘walk’ to 38021 and by doing so, you will have donated R10.
For more information on their journey, visit www.paulsteynfoundation.org.za