The touching tale of a domestic worker’s dream of running the New York Marathon and her driven employers helping her get there has turned into a reality fairy tale story right here in Ballito.
Etete’s Veronica Mtetwa, also known as ‘V’ has found her passion in running and after completing two Comrades Marathons, she felt drawn to the New York Marathon.
“I taught myself to run. When I run, I am happy and stress-free. It is my life,” said the 34-year-old Mtetwa, who asked her employer, Jody Cameron to keep her December bonus for her to start saving for New York.
A major tragedy threatened to destroy the dream when V’s mother was shot on New Year’s this year at her home in Pongola.
“I had to take all my savings to go see my mom and help her, because she is now 100% blind,” said V, whose three children live with her mother.
This is when Cameron decided something had to be done to help her achieve her dream.
“We started a campaign on Candystick – a crowd funding website – as well as a Facebook page, Dreaming of New York, on Valentines Day this year, which is also V’s birthday.
“The response was incredible and within three weeks, we raised R21 000.
“We are now sitting on nearly R27 500 and have a month left to get to our goal of R40 000,” said Cameron, who has had V in her life for the past ten years and sees her as close family.
While the ever growing fundraising was incredible to watch, the biggest surprise was when two ladies, Leigh Lovett and Vicky Gessner from Flight Centre Associates phoned and offered to sponsor the flight tickets.
While the news was fantastic, the next setback was waiting around the corner.
“It turned out that getting a ticket to the NYC Marathon is almost as difficult as getting a ticket to Mars! To start with, you have to pay $2500 to a charity in order to qualify for the New York Marathon and then you pay an additional $385 to enter.”
Desperate to make this happen, Cameron turned to Facebook again and miracle No. 2 happened.
“A South African lady, Honorata Saar Nel, who lives in New York and is part of the New York Road Runners contacted me and said she would give up her work entry and V can have her ticket.
We still have to pay for the ticket, but not the charity donation. This lady has been instrumental in making the marathon a reality.”
Completely overwhelmed by the generosity pouring in, the shy V said she cannot believe she is actually going to go. “When you dream about something, you do not think it is going to actually happen. I cannot say how grateful and happy I am.”
While most of the major expenses have been covered for the trip, there are still a few things that need to be paid for such as accommodation, transport in New York and meals.
To help, a four ball golf day fundraiser will be held at Umhlali Country Club on April 21. Entry is R2000 and includes green fees and a meal.
To get involved, check out candystick.co.za/c/ dreaming-of-new-york to donate or send a mail to jody@compropballito.co.za
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