For two special children, their dreams of soaring through the sky came true last Saturday.
Lebohang Tsotsotso (5) and Tlhalefo Mabe (10) both suffer from life-threatening illnesses and thanks to the Reach for a Dream Foundation, Pick n Pay and Springbok Classic Air (based at Rand Airport), the little boys got to fly in a Beech 18 aircraft.
Lebohang, who lives in Krugersdorp, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2013.
His mom Moratoa told the GCN that his treatment was progressing very well.
“He is currently in Grade R and can’t wait to start Grade One next year,” she said.
“Lebohang loves planes and flying and he also enjoys skateboarding and playing Playstation.”
Tlhalefo is also suffering from a life-threatening illness and he hails from the North West.
His mom Irene said he was extremely excited about the flight.
The aircraft the boys flew in was no ordinary one either.
Before coming to South Africa, the Beech 18 was part of Millardair’s fleet in Canada.
She came to South Africa in the early 1990s and in 1994 was completely refurbished with an all aluminium polished finish.
She served with Mercy Air, a non-profit organisation, and in 2008 the aircraft was used in the Hollywood production “Amelia”, a movie about the life of Amelia Earhart, starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere.
The aircraft was also recently featured in the Three Ships Whisky advertisement.
The event was sponsored by Pick n Pay, which has been involved in helping the Reach for a Dream Foundation for about 10 years.
“On average we sponsor about 50 dreams a year,” said Alice Ceronie, Pick n Pay events manager.
“In total we have given about 1 800 children their dreams.”
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