62-year-old paddles around Mauritius to raise funds for terminally ill children

Graeme Johnston, a 62-year-old from Fourways, South Africa embarked on a nine-day paddle around the island of Mauritius to raise funds for terminally ill children in his home country.

Despite encountering logistical problems with Mauritius customs, he managed to raise approximately R38,000 for the Reach For a Dream organisation.

“I prepared myself for this task by paddling at least 16km a day, eight in the morning and eight in the evening,” said Johnston. He elaborated that the 188km challenge was difficult but raising money for sick children had kept him going.

“My business partner’s son had leukemia and walking him down that journey was very painful to see. I wished at that moment there was someone to help him through it all. I took it upon myself to help families like his.

“My start and end point was in Grand Baie. During the trip, my equipment was confiscated at customs and I had to borrow equipment from local friends. This was a challenge I gave myself but the reward was lending a helping hand to the organisation and I am so happy that it was a success.

Donations are still being accepted on the Reach For a Dream website.

Source: FOURWAYS Review