Just as gaggles of wild geese regularly cross the Okavango Delta, 13 small two-seater aircraft are about to take flight across southern Africa to raise awareness around cancer and raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
Just as gaggles of wild geese regularly cross the Okavango Delta, 13 small two-seater aircraft are about to take flight across southern Africa to raise awareness around cancer and raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
The stats include: 22 people, 13 aircraft, 17 days, 7 000 km, 560 hours of flying and 10 000 litres of fuel. Led by local pilot and instructor Larry McGillewie, the expedition branded “The Gaggle” departs from various destinations this morning and tomorrow (Saturday) for a 16-day journey culminating at Sutherland on 12 May.
Tommy Nel, who will accompany The Gaggle, sometimes flying and sometimes in the ground support vehicle, was inspired to get involved in promoting cancer awareness after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April last year.
“My family and I are fairly successful and have everything we need, but that is meaningless if you don’t have your health. This journey is our way of giving back and reminding all about the importance of early detection of cancer,” he said.
Joining him on the trip will be three Grahamstown pairs, vice-chairman of the Grahamstown Flying Club (GFC) Matthys Bosch and his father Tommy; Flying Club committee members and owners of the Grahamstown Flying School Larry and Sharon McGillewie; and GFC chairman Ron Weissenberg and his wife Loraine who'll assist with navigation.
Three of the aircraft are from Grahamstown, making them the largest representation from a small city. There are two groups of four and one group of five aircraft – and each group has to be as resourceful and self-sufficient as possible.
Unfortunately, one pilot had to pull out due to their mother-in-law being seriously ill with cancer.
Repairs, emergency stops and landings all need to be anticipated and all tools and technical supplies must be taken in the aircraft, which will often be overweight.
Ron said his motivation for the journey was “firstly to raise awareness about aviation for our local community. It is not an ‘elite’ sport or hobby”.
According to him, many aircraft are priced similar to good 4×4 vehicles and on a per kilometre basis, they're cheaper to travel with.
“Even if full-size aircraft are not your main interest, through virtual flying and the model-flyers movement it is a sport which is affordable and fun,” Ron said.
“Secondly, to raise awareness about Cansa, which does sterling work, and to provide our local aviators with the experience of a lifetime developing resourcefulness, camaraderie and pushing the limits.”
Larry said the idea sprouted wings after he started planning a trip of his own. He got in touch with Nel and since his diagnosis, they decided to include raising awareness about cancer.
Cansa CEO Sue Jane van Rensburg said they are very proud to be associated with such an exciting and awe-inspiring initiative. “It just proves that the sky is indeed the limit when it comes finding ways in which to promote a cause as worthy as cancer awareness.”
The Gaggle’s journey will start in Grahamstown, make its way up to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, then to Namibia and back down to Cape Town.
They will stop over for a day or two in various towns en route.
Readers can show their support by following the journey on a daily basis and by post messages via Cansa’s Facebook page:
