The Georgian braveheart is challenging himself in this adventure, alone on his riverboard with no back-up team, to raise awareness and funds for the adult home project of Up with Down's School in George. Their campaign is called Bigger than Us.
Roché had completed 1 230km by last week when the marketing team from Up with Down's, Janet and Michel Seegmuller and Lynne Terblanche, met him at Prieska with some essential medical supplies as well as biltong and chocolate - his favourite snacks. Roché was delighted for their moral support. "He hugged us so tightly, he lifted us off the ground," said Janet, the principal of Up with Down's.
The team, travelling in a sponsored Kempston Motors George bakkie, also used the opportunity to market their idea of building the full-time adult home. "We had a very warm reception in Prieska, and Roché was well looked after by some local farmers in Hopetown who are now following the swim with huge interest and want to get involved financially," said Janet.
Roché is three weeks ahead of schedule due to the flood conditions and fast flow of the water. At this rate he is expected to be at the mouth and in Alexander Bay in the first week of May. Janet says he remains absolutely motivated and mentally strong. There is no chance to be bored as the flow of the river keeps him extremely focused. Although he is in great health, the constant lying on the riverboard and kicking, is taking its toll on his back. He has lost 13kg.
Roché is finding the flood conditions extremely stressful and told the team that it makes it impossible to scout the long rapids. The water in the narrower sections are 'hairy' to navigate with a loaded riverboard and backpack. He sometimes completes 40km a day.
On Sunday, Roché was already at the 1 500km mark. On the Bigger than Us Facebook page, he wrote: "Was an early start this morning; +- 200km to go till reaching Upington, Northern Cape. It really takes some getting used to the river again when you have just spent three amazing days with the Up with Down's team!"
The school is now hoping to get corporate sponsorship for this expedition as well as ones to come. Back home, the Up with Down's children have been swimming in a marathon of their own to try to match Roché's distance (2 400km in total) with the help of York High School swimmers, as well as friends and family members, but the team still needs all the help they can get.
For more information, contact the school office at the start of the new term on 044 870 8770.
Roché captured this beautiful sunset with his tent on the edge of the river.
ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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