A motorbike enthusiast and double amputee is halfway through an epic 4000km cross-country ride to raise funds to buy prosthetic limbs for children.
Gerda du Toit, who lost both her legs to diabetes two years ago, is hoping to raise R2-million.
“My own experiences have made me appreciate life. Before my legs were amputated, I did not realise so many children needed prosthetics.
“A lot of kids lose limbs to cancer and it is hugely traumatic for them.”
Speaking to the Dispatch shortly before leaving East London for Durban, Du Toit said many of the 100 children who would benefit from the ride, lived in the Eastern Cape.
Riding partner Charl Beukes, an amputee activist who has spent years trying to get free limbs for marginalised South Africans, said the Eastern Cape was a priority area.
“The Eastern Cape has the most need and children can wait up to 10 years to get a prosthesis,” Beukes said.
The epic ride-for-a-limb adventure is being done under the auspices of the Kirsty Watts Foundation and all funds raised will go to prosthetic limbs.
“The bikes are sponsored, so all the funds that are raised, can go to getting prosthetics for children,” Beukes said.
Kirsty, 23, the daughter of Carte Blanche’s veteran journalist Derek Watts, started the foundation shortly after she was diagnosed with a tumour on the brain nine years ago.
She beat the cancer and has been in remission ever since.
Over the past six years, the foundation has helped to fit more than 50 children with free prosthetics at an average cost of R20000, including consultations and rehabilitation.
After leaving Johannesburg two weeks ago, the duo and East London biker Noel Monk – who took unpaid leave to join them and run their social media communication – clocked up 2600km to Cape Town before heading to East London and Durban.
“I got involved because I think it is an awesome cause. It’s fantastic to see kids smile, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Although she used to ride motorbikes years ago, Du Toit had not got back in the saddle after her legs were amputated.
“I was very nervous when I started riding three months ago, but I love it now.”
During the ride, the trio has connected with everyone from truckers to fellow bikers and children.
“Some kids still get scared when they see my legs. They think I am Robo Cop with super powers!”
Du Toit said riding a motorbike had been a huge part of her own healing process.
“It is a newfound freedom. When I get tired, I think of all the kids we are helping and that keeps me going.”
Survivor’s epic ride for prosthetic limbs
Gerda du Toit, who lost both her legs to diabetes two years ago, is hoping to raise R2-million.
“My own experiences have made me appreciate life. Before my legs were amputated, I did not realise so many children needed prosthetics.
“A lot of kids lose limbs to cancer and it is hugely traumatic for them.”
Speaking to the Dispatch shortly before leaving East London for Durban, Du Toit said many of the 100 children who would benefit from the ride, lived in the Eastern Cape.
Riding partner Charl Beukes, an amputee activist who has spent years trying to get free limbs for marginalised South Africans, said the Eastern Cape was a priority area.
“The Eastern Cape has the most need and children can wait up to 10 years to get a prosthesis,” Beukes said.
The epic ride-for-a-limb adventure is being done under the auspices of the Kirsty Watts Foundation and all funds raised will go to prosthetic limbs.
“The bikes are sponsored, so all the funds that are raised, can go to getting prosthetics for children,” Beukes said.
Kirsty, 23, the daughter of Carte Blanche’s veteran journalist Derek Watts, started the foundation shortly after she was diagnosed with a tumour on the brain nine years ago.
She beat the cancer and has been in remission ever since.
Over the past six years, the foundation has helped to fit more than 50 children with free prosthetics at an average cost of R20000, including consultations and rehabilitation.
After leaving Johannesburg two weeks ago, the duo and East London biker Noel Monk – who took unpaid leave to join them and run their social media communication – clocked up 2600km to Cape Town before heading to East London and Durban.
“I got involved because I think it is an awesome cause. It’s fantastic to see kids smile, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Although she used to ride motorbikes years ago, Du Toit had not got back in the saddle after her legs were amputated.
“I was very nervous when I started riding three months ago, but I love it now.”
During the ride, the trio has connected with everyone from truckers to fellow bikers and children.
“Some kids still get scared when they see my legs. They think I am Robo Cop with super powers!”
Du Toit said riding a motorbike had been a huge part of her own healing process.
“It is a newfound freedom. When I get tired, I think of all the kids we are helping and that keeps me going.”
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