Carrying a 30kg pack strapped to his back and a walking stick, and wearing brand new sneakers from Tekkie Town, Paul Steyn has recommenced his long walk (on 29 June). The amputee continued his more than 7 000 kilometre journey, which started in Cape Town in August last year by walking from Wilgeheuwel to Krugersdorp’s Oasis Water to top up his water supply before heading towards Magaliesburg. Steyn’s goal is to arrive in Potchefstroom in the North West province by the weekend.
“I want to make the community aware of prosthetic limbs and how important they are to an amputee. So far, I have helped 13 people receive prosthetic limbs. There is a girl in Potchefstroom who has already been identified to receive help,” he said. Paul will leave the North West for the Northern Cape, and then head home to the Western Cape.
Paul started the Paul Steyn Foundation to raise funds to provide deserving disadvantaged amputees with prosthetic limbs. Although funds are raised through various projects, the long-distance fund-raising walks he undertakes are the Foundation’s main source of income. Paul aims to demonstrate the mobility that a prosthesis can provide to an amputee to both the community and the amputees by taking on this project.
“Anything is possible in life. I have walked through all nine provinces because prosthetic legs are very important. There are currently 500 people on the waiting list for prosthetic limbs. That is why I decided to do what I can to make a difference,” he said.
Paul is well aware of the cost of prosthetic limbs. Through his own experiences and his interaction with other amputees, he has become aware of the difficulties facing amputees, especially when it comes to a disadvantaged person trying to get a prosthesis. “Prosthetic limbs are not a luxury, they’re a necessity to an amputee. I remember when I lost my leg at the age of 13. I was on crutches for three years, waiting for my prosthetic leg to be made. I was lucky that I had the funds to pay for it, but there are many South Africans who cannot afford prosthetic limbs. When I started this journey, I walked with a wagon. Now I use a backpack, but it’s heavy. My goal is to help everyone and maybe even motivate a few community members to join me in the walk. Every little bit helps and we appreciate it,” he said.
While recounting his journey through the country’s provinces, Paul was unable to choose a highlight. He said each province had something special to offer. “All the provinces are beautiful and I have fond memories of my journey through each of them. There was a time when I woke up to find a snake in my sleeping bag, and another when it was extremely hot, so I took a swim in a lake, and when I got out I saw crocodiles coming out too. The people I’ve met along the way have shown me nothing but kindness, and that’s really special too,” he said.
Since 2012, Paul has walked more than 9 000 kilometres, clocking his highest number of kilometers on a single trip at 810 kilometres, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.
“I love walking when the weather is chilly instead of hot, for a variety of factors. The most important one is water. I recall walking on a scorching hot day, and running out of water three times, and seeing double. So cooler conditions are preferable,” he said.
Steyn will find some time to run as he heads towards Potchefstroom. For more information visit https://www.paulsteynfoundation.org.za/
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