Team Leaving A Legacy is changing Newcastle one step at a time

The long awaited Vlam Panelbeaters Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk is finally here!

After months of preparation, people from across the country have laced up their tekkies and are ready to take on the 51-kilometre road race from Memel to Newcastle.

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Among excited participants is an extraordinary group of women.

This team has long prepared to take on the full distance road to raise funds and create awareness for Esperanza Special Needs School.

To date, they have raised over R50 000 through perseverance and dedication.

When they initially undertook the task of raising funds for ESNS, members of team Leaving a Legacy (LAL) set themselves a small target of a few thousand Rand.

They began running a few kilometres every morning, to get into shape for a tremendous challenge.

After many successful projects and after months of preparation this year, Susan Pitout of LAL expressed her deepest appreciation to every person who had helped the team to cross the finishing line.

“Team LAL runs the Memel Walk every year, and for us it is a fantastic platform to raise money for a worthy cause in Newcastle. When we decided to assist Esperanza this year, we had no idea how big our initiative was going to get, and by the grace of God, much enthusiasm and help from people all over Newcastle, we managed to successfully raise R59 000 for the school. I am extremely humbled and proud to be part of such an amazing team of do-gooders,” said Pitout.

This year, LAL started with a small group of women and urged residents to join in on the fun, by pledging themselves #CountMeIn, and within a few days they managed to get many newcomers on board.

READ: MUST READ: Leaving a Legacy for Esperanza Special Needs School

What started as a group of five women quickly grew when Lanhel de Preez, head girl of Huttenpark Primary School joined up.

She challenged her teachers and fellow pupils to also ‘count themselves in,’ and within a few days staff and pupils had joined up for the race en masse, which culminated with a Mandela Day visit to Esperanza in July.

Ferrum High School followed suit when Aidan Pieterse persuaded his teachers and peers to help out.

“I was absolutely astonished at how quickly people jumped in to help us reach our goal. It was so inspiring to me to see our young leaders, boys and girls who are still in school, take charge and pave the way for others,” Pitout explained.

The Vlam Panelbeaters Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle 50km Walk was started years ago by a group of school boys who wanted to make a difference, and since 1994 the event has inspired many people to improve the lives of others by running a few kilometres.

According to co-organiser and co-founder, Johan Pieters, he was proud to be associated with people like team LAL.

“Susan and her LAL team take part in the race each year and even after all these years, I am still amazed at what they achieve every year, and how many other people are inspired by their efforts.”

Team LAL has galvanised many Newcastle businesses – including Blackrock Casino and Stucky Motors – do their part, and even before race day Esperanza had received a ton of support.

“LAL’s efforts brought more awareness to are school, and we are already getting more calls and visits from Newcastle residents than ever. On behalf of Esperanza Special Needs School, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Susan Pitout and Leaving a Legacy for the hard work they put in to help us raise much needed funds,” said Jennifer Pillay, Principal of Esperanza.

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LAL’s efforts also caught the attention of disabled Volksrust farmer, Marius Hurter, who has committed himself to completing 10 kilometres of the race to raise awareness for disabled people all over the country.

This is just one example of what determination and dedication can achieve.

Team LAL believe wholeheartedly in their cause and many have found themselves touch by what the team has achieved not just in this year, but over the past few years.

True to its name, the team is leaving a legacy of hope and kindness.

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