Courageous David faces icy challenge

AS if taking part in a 2.5km fun walk in his wheelchair was not enough, a Despatch man suffering from a muscle disease also did the ice-bucket challenge on Saturday.

David Viljoen, 48, described by friends as courageous, lived up to this when he faced the icy cold water and pieces of ice – all in the name of raising awareness of muscle diseases at the Despatch 3G Community Moon Walk at the Despatch Railway Station at the weekend.

"Once the water hits you it's not so bad, but when you feel the ice blocks it literally takes your breath away," Viljoen, who was a co-organiser of the awareness day as ambassador of the We MiND Foundation, said.

Proceeds from the ice bucket challenge, which saw more than 30 people taking part, will be donated to the We MiND Foundation.

Viljoen said all the people who took part in the challenge donated cash, along with Nelson Mandela Bay and Despatch businesses.

"The turnout was amazing. At least 100 people took part in the walkathon, which was either a 2.5km walk or a 5km run, depending on the fitness level of the participants.

"Many people with disabilities took part in the race, including two blind women, and we were assisted by children from the schools in town," Viljoen said.

Although he could take part in the 2.5km walkathon in his electric wheelchair unassisted, Viljoen said it was great to be surrounded by schoolchildren, while creating awareness about muscle diseases among the youth.

Algoa FM represented by DJ Jacques Arendt, food stalls and families dressing up in alien outfits all added to the festivities. - Cindy Preller