GEORGE NEWS - Thanks to the intervention of local good Samaritans, a youngster living with muscular dystrophy can now tick off the top item on his bucket list.
Ruduwaan Lottering (12) from George, who was diagnosed at a young age, has always wanted to experience the feeling of flying - and that is exactly what he got when he was taken on a tandem paragliding flight in Wilderness.
He could not stop smiling after his adventure. Describing his experience, Ruduwaan said he was nervous at first. "But I realised I was in the safe hands of my pilot Pete. He talked me through all the steps and took me on a bird's eye tour of Wilderness. I could see so far, and it was so peaceful in the sky," he said.
The adventure came about through the intervention of a benefactress, who noticed him when she did voluntary work at Carpe Diem School in 2018. She was touched by his condition and felt urged to help him draw up and achieve a bucket list when she saw that his condition was deteriorating. She posted on Facebook, asking her friends and family for donations to help him achieve this dream.
Among the many people who reacted to the post was Peter Wallenda, owner of Flytime Paragliging, who said he and his team wanted to make Ruduwaan's dream to fly come true.
A date was arranged for 29 February at the Map of Africa, up on the mountains surrounding Wilderness. The Samaritan described it as a wonderful experience.
The team from Flytime Paragliding with Ruduwaan Lottering.
"What an amazing moment it was to witness the take-off, knowing how badly Ruduwaan always wanted to experience the feeling of being able to fly. To be free, to soar high above the ground like an eagle amongst the clouds looking down at the treetops and spectacular views of the ocean and the forest down below."
The public is invited to a fundraising event for Ruduwaan on 29 March at the George Lions Club. The day will involve various sports cars and food stalls. The event starts at 09:00 and everyone is invited.
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