Edenglen resident takes to the water for CHOC

Edenglen resident Anton Tjabring raised R30 000 after he and his crew took to the water to raise funds for Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC).

Anton and crew member Robin Padoa took to the water when they competed in the Hobie 16 Northern Regions Provincials held at Stillbaai Yacht Club in October.

Anton explained that his son, David, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in January 2019 at the age of 15.

Having undergone chemo treatment for just over two years, David had his last treatment on April 23 and is now in remission.

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Anton explained that his son is recovering well with the focus now being on improving his fitness and endurance.

While being treated at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre by haematologist Dr Thompson, the family made contact with a social worker from CHOC, Chantelle, in 2019.

Anton said Chantelle helped David a lot by putting him in contact with another cancer survivor, Andrew Bell, who was also diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 15.

“Chantelle also gave us some CHOC books about childhood cancer. This helped my wife and me to understand, process what was going on and helped with questions we forgot to ask the doctors,” said Anton.

Anton said he and his wife circulated this book among their extended family so they could better understand the disease, the treatment and how to support them and David.

“After we came through this tough season, we wanted to give back and say thank you,” highlighted Anton.

He explained that CHOC encourages sportspeople to race in their cow print to raise funds for the organisation.

Anton said many spectators may have seen participants completing the 947, Midmar Mile, Comrades and other events in the CHOC cow print outfits.

As someone who enjoys racing Hobie 16 catamarans, Anton approached CHOC and asked the foundation if he and Robin could race in the provincials to raise funds.

After receiving the go-ahead from CHOC, Anton and Robin took to the water as Team Moooove It.

Anton and Robin started spreading the word, preparing the catamaran and training at their home club, The Catamaran Club, at Bronkhorstspruit Dam.

They also organised and paid for their own CHOC kit and entered the event.

“Initially, our target was to raise R15 000.

“With two months before the event, we had passed this target, so we moved the target to R30 000,” said Anton.

“People got behind us and even donated a scroll saw that we raffled off and raised a further R2 300.”

He said a used mountain bike was sold and the proceeds went to CHOC.

Anton said the provincials were well attended, with 21 boats entering the event held over October 9 and 10.

“There were great conditions on Saturday with lots of thrills and spills,” said Anton.

Five races were completed on October 9.

Anton said the morning of October 10 saw even stronger winds, with a few boats electing to not sail due to the tough conditions.

“The waves on the Vaal Dam were almost a metre high and wind speed around 23 knots were measured onshore before we launched.

“The first three races were very exciting and then the wind died down slightly as the last two races were completed.”

Overall, Team Moooove It finished 12th out of 21 boats.

“We had great fun and did it for a good cause.”

Anton said after calculating funds raised, the total came to R29 900.

“I told Robin and he put in the last R100 to hit our target of R30 000.”

Anton said CHOC is a NPO made up of caring, committed and passionate people who stand up for and support the well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families.

Visit www.choc.org.za for more information on work they do or to donate.

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