Gerda Du Toit leaves her wheelchair for a motorbike
Gerda Du Toit in support of ‘Riding for a limb’ passed through Plettenberg Bay on Monday the 13th of June 2016 – ShowMe Plett and the Sabrina Foundation had the honour of meeting up with this courageous woman.
On Monday the 6th of June 2016, Gerda Du Toit embarked on a 4000 kilometre adventure across South Africa, in aid of cancer children living without limbs.
At the young age of nine Gerda was diagnosed with diabetes and 4 years ago this young mother of 2, faced her worst nightmare – losing both her legs over an agonising period of two years. Simultaneously, her new born child was born with a weak heart and had to have open heart surgery. Emotionally and financially this was an uphill struggle for Gerda.
Losing her legs was the most terrifying and challenging period of her life. Fearing her life was over, she struggled desperately to remain positive. Fortunately, she met Charl Beukes from Chuck House – an angel who has been coaching and assisting children and adults without limbs for over 18 years. Gerda decided to join forces with Charl in an effort to find a positive approach to her struggle, by helping children that are cancer amputees.
Not only does she want to raise the two million Rand needed to uplift the lives of 200 disadvantage children in need of limbs, Gerda would love to break the Guinness World Records as well.
Gerda went from a wheelchair to a motorbike in just 2 years. She is currently ‘Riding for a Limb’ on a Cayenne World sponsored Honda Integra, travelling 400km’s per day from Johannesburg to Cape Town and back again via the Garden Route and Transkei. The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) will be escorting her into each town.
Gerda’s journey is being backed by the Kirsty Watts Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation. This initiative was created by Kirsty Watts when she was just 14 years old. After enduring treatment for a malignant brain tumour, she decided to help other kids who cannot afford the best medical care and support.
So far the foundation has assisted over 50 children by helping them get fitted with prosthetic limbs. These limbs normally cost around R160 000 per pair – KWF has managed to bring the average cost down to R20 000, which includes the rehabilitation and consultations, making it far more accessible for these children.
Gerda’s journey is not an easy one, she needs to monitor her sugar levels constantly to ensure she is healthy and fit enough to handle the bike ride and make a difference in the lives of others. Leatt has provided Gerda with a Neck Brace to protect her during this strenuous journey and Eazi Access Rental have already donated over R10 000 to this cause.
The aim for Riding for a Limb is to raise two million rand and give 100 children a new start in life.
If you like to sponsor Gerda for every kilometre of her cross-country journey, contact Belinda 083 290 0000, Charl 084 442 8894 or Gerda 071 674 6846.
Your donation will be accounted for by the trustees of the Kirsty Watts Foundation any you will be issued with a section 18A certificate.
For further information visit the Kirsty Watts Foundation and Facebook Page or the ‘Riding for a limb’ Facebook Page.
Riding for a limb gallery