2nd Group of Ladies - Lighthouse2Lighthouse Walk 07 to 10 April 2022

The Lighthouse2Lighthouse Ladies walk began in 2006 with 10 ladies participating to raise funds for cancer. Over the years the numbers grew to a total of 120 ladies participating. Since COVID the format had to change and now the event is held in two different months with a total of 80 ladies participating at each walk.

Their vision is: “To bring Light to the Overstrand Community by Fundraising for Charities”.

Sunday 10 April 2022 was another day of joy, smiles, tiredness and satisfaction of the ladies who participated in the Lighthouse2Lighthouse Ladies - a walk from L'Agulhas Lighthouse to Danger Point Lighthouse - 100km over 4 days. This 4-Day event was to raise funds for SOFCA - The Hermanus Frail Care Centre.

I met the ladies in Kleinbaai and Elna de Villiers PR, Fundraising & Marketing Events manager said all was going well. The ladies were all smiling and were looking forward to the final stage of the walk which ended at the Danger Point Lighthouse.

Elna said that on Day 1 the ladies walked 17kms and they walked in rain most of the day which cleared up later the afternoon.

Day 2 commenced from Brandfontein to Die Damme - 19km and it was a lovely walk, also in rain then sunshine. They ended Friday with a special fundraising evening in the form of a German Beer Festival which the ladies were only told about on the Thursday. A small entrance fee was charged, and an auction was held. This led to more funds being raised. In addition, the committee dressed up for the occasion and served the walkers. Stavros Pastellides of Whale Coast Brewing Co and his friend Richard Kotze also looked after the ladies on the evening.

Day 3 - The ladies walked from Die Damme to Pearly Beach which was 27kms, a very windy day and it was a long day because of the distance. On this route shortly after Quoin, one of the ladies of Gansbaai Marzanne Cloete who works at Biermann Malan Optometrists picked up a baby hatchling turtle, Elna contacted Elaine du Toit Bayer of the Beanery in Hermanus (they sponsored the coffee on this walk). She collected it at Bufflesjag and another person collected it in Somerset West and by 16h00 on Saturday this little 'Quoin' (the name the ladies gave this him / her turtle) was at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.  This is a first ever for the Lighthouse2Lighthouse, after all the years of participating, that one was found that they know of.  They kept it warm, did not put it back in the sea because it needs fresh water of a temperature of 27 and 29 degrees. Gave him normal water and Quoin did what he had to do - drink the water while in the ice cream container. Quoin's number is 37and the Two Oceans Aquarium will keep them updated of his progress.

Day 4 - Pearly Beach to Danger Point Lighthouse, there was a little bit of wind and it was hot. 74 out of the 80 ladies finished successfully, lots of blisters, lots of laughter and already they are looking forward to next year. A fantastic achievement for all the ladies.

The committee did both walks (February & April): Elna de Villiers, Michele Serfontein (Chairperson), Roleen Wessels and Carien Gooding. A great achievement - these ladies have walked a total 200km with not much of a break in between the two events. Well done!!

At the end of the route at the Danger Point Lighthouse the ladies were met by the sponsors, family and friends and were given their medals.

Once they received their medals, Lynne Oosthuizen and myself called them to collect their ice lollies which were sponsored by Sugarberry Distributors in Hermanus. They have been providing me with these ice lollies for many years - thank you Josh, it is much appreciated. The other treats were toasted marshmallows, wine gums and jelly babies. This is always a pleasure and enjoyment for me.

Before the ladies departed on the buses for Grotto Beach, Michele Serfontein (Chairperson) called Sgt Woensdregt Basson, WO Riaan Mostert and Sgt Adele Basson of Gansbaai SAPS. She thanked them for looking after the ladies during the event and to their surprise she presented them each with a Lighthouse2Lighthouse Ladies medal for all the years of being there for the ladies. Well done Gansbaai SAPS, you did us proud.

To all the ladies who participated, I salute you with your amazing achievement, rest well and see you next year.

Entries open in August 2022 and should you require any further information, please check their web page: http://lighthouse2lighthouse.co.za. Should any company wish to become involved with sponsorship, please contact Elna de Villers via email: elna.devilliers59@gmail.com

Julia Barlow

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