Whatshot
Meanderthals to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in aid of Muscular Dystrophy
Meanderthals to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in aid of Muscular Dystrophy
The group, comprising friends Shaheeda Loonat, Hajira Omar, Harish Mehta, Meena Mehta, Solly Bobat, Aasha Mehta Bobat, Suraya Narotam, Tarika Reddy, Sangeetha Bramdaw and Nirode Bramdaw plan to summit on October 18th and have pledged their dynamic efforts to elevate awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Africa.
Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and hamper locomotion. Muscular dystrophies are characterised by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissue.
It is most often a fatal disease, for which there is no known cure. Furthermore there is no specific treatment for any of the forms of muscular dystrophy.
"It is because of this reason and the fact that my family has had personal experiences with Muscular Dystrophy, that we have decided to dedicate our walk to this worthy cause," said Meanderthals chairperson Shaheeda Loonat.
"All the members of the Meanderthals enjoy great mobility and good health, and this attempt at Mount Kilimanjaro is our way of sharing our fortune of good health with those who are less fortunate and suffer from Muscular Dystrophy," she added.
The 10 Meanderthals climbers have asked that individuals sponsor them R300 per camp that they reach on the 5 consecutive days. These are the Shira Camp, the Barranco Camp, the Karanga Camp, the Barafu High Camp and Uhuru Peak - the Summit.
"We are pleading with individuals to sponsor us R1500 per climber for making the summit. All funds will go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We also invite socially responsible corporate citizens of South Africa to contribute to this drive, for which we will exchange branding opportunities on our Facebook site and on the banner we aim to hoist at Uhuru Peak," said Loonat.
The Meanderthals and their progress up Mount Kilimanjaro can be tracked on Facebook under their group name, Meanderthals. This is their first attempt at Mount Kilimanjaro and for some their first major trek.
For more information contact Maxine parentprojectsa@telkomsa.net or Shaheeda Loonat on 031-701 8373 or meltecagencies@gmail.com