WALKING
Cerebral palsy affects motor skills , muscle tone and movement , making everyday activities challenging , and children with cerebral palsy face numerous challenges , particularly in rural areas , where the lack of infrastructure and resources exacerbates these difficulties . These include limited access to specialised medical care , mobility aids , and therapeutic services , while the limited awareness and support services can also lead to social isolation for these children and their families .
I wanted to raise awareness of these children , and raise crucial funds to provide buggies that would give them greater mobility and independence , allowing them to lead more active and fulfilling lives . I therefore partnered with Boikanya and the Dion Herson Trust , two organisations dedicated to transforming the lives of these children , particularly in underserved rural communities , by providing mobility aids , therapy , support and essential services . These organisations also work to increase awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy in these communities .
This challenge was also deeply personal to me , as 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of my mother , Sadie , at the age of just 48 . Losing my mother at a young age , taught me about the brevity of life and the significance of making a meaningful impact . Therefore , by undertaking this challenge in her memory , I was determined to transform personal loss into a force for positive change . For me it was a way to honour her legacy , and the values she instilled in me .
The route around Bedfordview that Mike settled on .
Preparing for the Challenge
Once the decision was made , the training and preparation could begin . I had been walking 4.6km every day with a 10-kilogram weighted vest on since the beginning of my 75Hard Challenge , and after a quick conversion of 4 miles to kilometres and a visit to Google Maps on my PC , I had a 6.44km route plotted around Bedfordview . Again , my decision to walk the distance instead of run is based on my own experience … because I am just not a runner ! Each time I try adding running to my exercise routine , I end up picking up injuries . I knew the extra time it would take me to walk instead of running would certainly eat into my rest and recuperation time , but the lower impact of walking would help to offset that .
I continued to walk every day and added circuit training with stair-climbers to my workout , along with farmer carries and sledge pushes . The latter was to almost be my downfall , however , because after months of injury-free training , I strained my calf muscle two weeks before the challenge attempting to push a very heavy sledge . Panic set in , and I was thinking of postponing the challenge for a few weeks , but instead , I visited biokineticist Yolande Van Vuuren at Planet Fitness Bedfordview , and she worked miracles ! There was plenty of stretching and a touch of rest , and I was ready for the challenge . I also decided to invest in a Botthms Massage Gun , and that was a game-changer . If you are into sport and fitness , it is worth every cent !
I felt I was as ready as I possibly could be on a physical level and that my biggest challenge would be the lack of sleep and the mental side of four miles every four hours for 48 hours , come rain or shine . I decided to start the challenge at 6pm on Friday 1st of March , and that my “ night walks ” would then be at 10pm and 2am , instead of at 8pm , 12am and 4am had I started earlier . I let everyone know when I would be walking , and invited anyone who chose to simply arrive at my door a few minutes before start time to join me .
I planned my outfit , made sure socks were ready , had plasters and strapping at the ready , planned my nutrition without being too rigid , and counted down the days … and then the hours . Before I talk about the actual walks , I need to thank Sharon , who not only walked nine of the 12 loops with me , but made sure I was fed , rested and well looked after . I honestly could not have done it without her support and if you are planning anything like this , make sure you have all the support you need .
Gear ready , let the challenge begin .
Changing Lives , One Buggy at a Time
The team from Boikanya Dion Herson Foundation specialises in providing mobility buggies for children with cerebral palsy in rural areas , which can be a life-changing gift for these kids and their families . Without a buggy , moms , dads and grandparents often have to carry these children on their backs , or push them in a wheelbarrow . Some of these children have spent their lives lying on a bed , or on the floor , and that changes instantly with these expertly fitted , custom-built buggies . The most heart-warming part of it all is the look of excitement and gratitude on these children ’ s faces as they are placed in their buggies , and can begin a new , more fulfilling chapter in their lives . This is changing lives , one mobility buggy at a time .
Images : Mike Said
56 ISSUE 167 | www . modernathlete . co . za