SA paddler attempts world record to raise funds for cleft palate corrective surgeries

The proceeds of the initiative will go to the Miles for Smiles initiative which facilitates constructive surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates so that they can live their life to the fullest. 

 

According to Dohne his total journey will last approximately five days while he paddles over 486km as he makes his way from Maputo to Durban, stopping at various ports with a small support crew on a yacht which will carry supplies including food and medicine. “Weather permitting we will be starting the paddle headed for Durban on the 4th May. The plan is to paddle across the bay from Maputo towards Inhaca Island and out through Hells Gate and then down the coast towards Ponta de Oura.”

 

I will be attempting the world record from Ponta down towards Mapelane/Cape vidal area, says Dohne who has already raised over R70 000 for Miles for Smiles through past initiatives. “This distance is approximately 240km’s and the plan is to start the record paddle at about 17:30 in the afternoon and paddle through the night. I will be chasing the sun with a full days paddle ending at 17:30 the following afternoon.”

 

Following this, Dohne and his support crew will make their way into the Richard’s Bay harbour where they will clear customs and refuel before they make the final push into Durban. “We are hoping to get to Durban on Saturday, 9 May.”

 

David Grier, managing trustee of Cipla Foundation, says Dohne’s adventure is sure to change the lives of children. “One in every 700 children in Africa is born with a cleft palate or lip, and one in 10 babies born with this condition do not make it to their first birthday. Malnutrition, medical and psychological problems also compound the problem. Life can be a tough and complicated place for children and not being able to smile shouldn’t have to limit their experience of the world.”

 

The Cipla Miles for Smiles initiative, in collaboration with Operation Smile, has facilitated just under 2000 corrective surgeries. Cipla Foundation calls on all members of the public to change the lives of these children one smile at a time by contributing to this worthy cause. Donations can be submitted on the Miles for Smiles website, here. 

 

To follow the progress of this courageous athlete as well as the progress of the Miles for Smiles initiative, follow @davidgrier on Twitter. 

 

This initiative is proudly sponsored by Cipla Foundation.