Lise and Leon prepare for Machu Picchu
Two summits done already for Lise and Leon Coetzee next on the couples list is Machu Picchu in Peru.
Everyone knows Lise and Leon from Mama Liza Restaurant, they enjoy climbing out various summits as much as they love being in the restaurant business.
On Saturday, April 12 Lise and Leon will depart for Machu Picchu and will return back on April 25.
The reason they have decided to attempt to climb five of the seven summits is as a fundraising project for Reach for a Dream in honour of Chantelle.
Years ago Leon was unfortunate to loose a daughter, Chantelle to cancer.
“At the tender age of nine she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and the doctors informed us that Chantelle was living on borrowed time,” said Leon.
That is when Reach for a Dream foundation contact Leon and they made it possible for Chantelle and family to go to Disney World and made it a wonderful last holiday.
About two years ago Lise and Leon made a decision; they chose to get off the couch and to start living Life.
Last year in July they reached the summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia (the highest peak in Europe).
Lise and Leon raised a staggering R130 620.00 for Reach for a Dream. This year they will climb Machu Picchu and they are hoping to crush that amount from the year before.
“And with the help of all of you, we are confident that we will topple that amount so that many other dreams can come true,” said Lise.
The total cost for this years project is about R35 000 per person and it will be from their own account.
“Once again we are financing out expeditions ourselves and only ask for contributions to Reach for a Dream or to join us on our request to conquer five of the seven highest peaks,” said Leon.
Last year they left OR Tambo International Airport on July 22.
On July 27, they hiked up to Cheget Mountain to 3100m that is where they had a lovely view of their route for the next day.
Then on July 28, they ascent to Barrel huts at 3800m, it rained throughout the night. By the time they reached 3500m the snow started falling.
On July 29 it was the worst day of Lise life.
“We ascended the mountain in deep snow to 4300m, and then back down again to the barrels for overnight. We did it again to practice walking with crampons and to learn how to use an ice axe,” said Lise.
In August they arrived back in South Africa, happy with what they achieved.
In January 2012 they reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
If anyone is willing to make a donation to Reach for a Dream account so that last amount can be toppled, here is the details: Rand Merchant Bank, Reach for a Dream Foundation, Account number:54500040602; Branch code:261251; Reference: Pretoria Coetzee/Machu Picchu.
If a deposit has been made into the account please forward proof of payment to mamalisa@vodamail.co.za.
This year to get things started a golf day has been organised for February 14 at Witbank Golf Club.
