Help her reach her dream
In October this year Marlene Wilson is climbing Kilimanjaro. She is 69 years old and blind. As a breast cancer survivor Marlene hopes that the Kilimanjaro endeavour will raise funds for the Breast Health foundation.
ALBERTON – A blind 68-year-old breast cancer survivor aims to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in October.
Marlene Wilson hopes the endeavour will raise funds for the Breast Health Foundation. Marlene has never allowed her disability to stop her from living life to the full, and has always had a taste for adventure.
Some of her adventures include cycling across the world, including Russia where she raised funds for various organisations for the blind.
Marlene has also cycled the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and the 94.7 Cycle Challenge a couple of times. In 1995 she won three gold medals for tandem cycling at the SA Championships for the blind. Marlene and her partner, Giovanni del Castello, received a sponsorship from Enrista Coffee to participate in next year’s Argus.
This intrepid lady is joining Pink Peaks, a group of breast cancer survivors and supporters, in summiting the highest peak in Africa. The aim is to to help spread awareness about breast health and the importance of early breast cancer detection. Each climber needs to raise R35 000 to undertake the trip, as well as buy the equipment.
Enrista offered to donate R25 000 and Marlene still needs to buy high-tech gear for the trip. She insists on having a headlamp for the climb; “So you buggers can see me,” she laughs.
Marlene only learnt to swim last year after being petrified of water. “Now you can’t get me out of the pool,” she adds.
Her goddaughter Jolene Letley, who turns 29 the same day Marlene turns 69, will accompany her on the Kilimanjaro climb.
All contributions to the Breast Health foundation are tax-deductible as it is a Public Benefit Organisation. You can support Marlene by making a donation to: Breast Health, Nedbank, Account number: 1933 176 741, Sandown branch: 193 305, ref: PPK Marlene.
