GEORGE NEWS - The misery that the Journey of Hope bikers felt at being drenched to the skin in the heavy downpour last week in George soon evaporated upon receiving a heartfelt welcome from town folk on Thursday. There was nothing but sunny skies and warm smiles at the Kalahari Restaurant and Theatre in George where a reception was held.

Being able to participate in the motorbike journey from Durban to Cape Town was also a personal triumph for CEO Frieda Henning, well-known Georgian. A few months ago she was involved in a horrific motorbike accident during which she took a serious tumble and while lying on her side, another motorbike rode over her. It could all have ended differently.

But Frieda, friends and family prayed fervently for her recovery whilst she lay in ICU. She made a miraculous recovery, and regained her strength sufficiently to be involved in the logistical arrangements before the time, and to climb onto a heavy Harley Davidson to take to the road with the others for the gruelling trip. During their epic journey 10 000 people were given the hard hitting message by the 20 female cancer survivors who related their success stories at the various towns as they travelled through on their Harleys.

Frieda explained how the proceeds garnered during the journey are earmarked for four wo-men who will receive reconstructive breast surgery or a prosthesis - whichever one of the two is preferred.
They include Claire Hofmeester, Dorothy Solomons and Christine Groenewalt. "We want women to feel whole again and this is our way of helping them to do so."
Frieda paid tribute to Christine Bertsch who has been through her own journey of recovery from Guillain Barré as the ultimate survivor.

Four Southern Cape breast cancer survivors were part of the biking group. Apart from Frieda, there were Adri van Nieuwenhuizen (George), Amy Jansen (Mossel Bay) and Vera Moir (Knysna).
At the lunch party the performance by comedian Shimmy Isaacs (in Howzit my Bra!) was excellent. It focused on women and their relationship with their breasts and ended with a serious reminder to do regular checks for lumps as anyone (all ages and even men) can get breast cancer.
Cansa’s Southern Cape regional manager Minette van Zyl spoke about the all encompassing services rendered by the branch situated in George.

The Journey ended on Saturday in Cape Town.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS


Die Suid-Kaapryers wat aan die Journey of Hope deelgeneem het, het Donderdag heerlik saam met hul vriende en familie by die Kalahari Restaurant en Teater in George gekuier. Van links is Vera Moir (Knysna), Magda Geldenhuys (Mosselbaai), Elsje de Swardt, Adri van Nieuwenhuizen (wat die Journey of Hope-liedjie wat deur Romanz opgeneem is, geskryf het), Claude Pretorius (logistieke bestuurder), Frieda Henning (hoof- uitvoerende beampte van die Journey) en Amy Jansen.