Garth set for new two footed European mission
While his plan is to raise funds and awareness for Leonard Cheshire Home in Queensburgh, he also hopes to help set up an early childhood development school for previously disadvantaged disabled children.
AFTER becoming the first sports fan to cycle to every Super Rugby stadium in three different countries, intrepid adventurer, Garth Lezard, has decided to add a new dimension to his world travels. Instead of relying on two wheels, Garth will be relying on his own two feet.
Having cycled through four countries on six continents, totalling 30 000 kilometers, the globe peddler has helped raise awareness and funds for the Leonard Cheshire Home, which looks after people with disabilities, illness and people living with degenerative disorders.
Now he is planning to run and trek through four countries, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales and make history once again.
“I decided after cycling through SA, Australia and New Zealand and meeting the different teams, I now want to be the first person to run and trek between every team playing in the Guinness Pro 12,” he said.
The Durban North resident plans to start in May next year to coincide with the first game of the European competition.
“I’m going to start in Swansea; it’s a city I know well, having studied at the Swansea University. I’ve always been a big fan of the Ospreys and was there when they formed the team. I have watched their evolution so to speak, so that’s going to be just fantastic seeing the team,” he said.
While his plan is to raise funds and awareness for Leonard Cheshire Home in Queensburgh, he also hopes to help set up an early childhood development school for previously disadvantaged disabled children.
“I learned about this avenue of Leonard Cheshire when I was in Port Elizabeth and realised the only suburb yet to implement an early childhood development school was the Queensburgh home.
“It ignited an interest in me and I’ve talked to the home who are keen to get involved. I’ve always seen the role education plays and the value of it. So by doing this new part of my journey I’m hoping to change the lives for disabled youngsters,” he said.
Lezard said his run and trek through the four countries will have no time constraint.
“The other journeys have been a bit different in that I needed to get to a certain stadium or town at a certain time. This new journey will offer me a way of managing my body in a different way,” he said.
If you would like to get involved with Garth’s new journey email garthlezard@hotmail.com
