A 73-YEAR-OLD man, his 66-year- old wife, two ponies and a Border Collie named Blue began an epic 260km run and horseback ride on Tuesday to raise funds for a Grahamstown home for the aged.
The super-fit Ben Bezuidenhout, 73, who refers to himself as “groaning gramps” set off running from Grahamstown and will complete a marathon a day (42km a day) for five days.
On day five he will join up with his “galloping granny” wife, Norma, 66, and Dan Swartbooi, 45 on their mounts for the final 50km cross-country trek.
Border Collie Blue will join them for much of the journey.
Ben came up with the fundraising idea for Somerset Place in Grahamstown one day while singing Me, You and a Dog named Blue, said Norma.
After several break-ins, Norma, who is in charge of fund raising for the village – which is home to 95 elderly people – decided that money was needed for a security upgrade. “We want to raise as much as we can to electrify our boundary fence.”
Veteran runner Ben last year raised R32000 running 160km over four days. This time they wanted to spice things up. Norma, who has enjoyed horse-riding for many years, decided their animals should chip in and help.
She also called on farrier friend and competitive local show jumper, Dan Swartbooi, who was quick to offer to saddle up and join her.
Ben will run from Grahamstown via Port Alfred to Kenton.
Tomorrow, he intends handing over the baton to Norma and Dan on their mounts Danny Boy and Tonto near Alexandria.
The riders will then head back to Grahamstown across country via Seven Fountains. “The last 10km will be completed on Saturday and we will be re-joined by Ben, Blue and the boys from St Andrew’s Preparatory school who are supporting our cause,” said Norma.
She said Somerset Place residents were very excited about the event. She appealed to people to sponsor their epic journey.
•Electronic payments can be made to Somerset Place Society, Standard Bank Grahamstown Code: 050917, Account: 082032610.
Grahamstown trio gear up for 260km fund raiser
The super-fit Ben Bezuidenhout, 73, who refers to himself as “groaning gramps” set off running from Grahamstown and will complete a marathon a day (42km a day) for five days.
On day five he will join up with his “galloping granny” wife, Norma, 66, and Dan Swartbooi, 45 on their mounts for the final 50km cross-country trek.
Border Collie Blue will join them for much of the journey.
Ben came up with the fundraising idea for Somerset Place in Grahamstown one day while singing Me, You and a Dog named Blue, said Norma.
After several break-ins, Norma, who is in charge of fund raising for the village – which is home to 95 elderly people – decided that money was needed for a security upgrade. “We want to raise as much as we can to electrify our boundary fence.”
Veteran runner Ben last year raised R32000 running 160km over four days. This time they wanted to spice things up. Norma, who has enjoyed horse-riding for many years, decided their animals should chip in and help.
She also called on farrier friend and competitive local show jumper, Dan Swartbooi, who was quick to offer to saddle up and join her.
Ben will run from Grahamstown via Port Alfred to Kenton.
Tomorrow, he intends handing over the baton to Norma and Dan on their mounts Danny Boy and Tonto near Alexandria.
The riders will then head back to Grahamstown across country via Seven Fountains. “The last 10km will be completed on Saturday and we will be re-joined by Ben, Blue and the boys from St Andrew’s Preparatory school who are supporting our cause,” said Norma.
She said Somerset Place residents were very excited about the event. She appealed to people to sponsor their epic journey.
•Electronic payments can be made to Somerset Place Society, Standard Bank Grahamstown Code: 050917, Account: 082032610.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos