The Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA crew, who today (20 April) left for Sodwana Bay to start their epic month long 2800km jet ski journey from Mozambique to Namibia to raise funds and awareness for cancer and CANSA, were given a great send off by vehicle sponsors Thekwini Toyota at their Moore Road showroom.

The expedition, which is also being supported by SPAR and Acer, will see 5 jet ski pilots each riding the 1511 nautical miles of SA’s coastline in an effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices and to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Expedition Leader Russel Symcox (Scottburgh) said, “we are incredibly grateful to the team at Thekwini Toyota, both for the warm send off we were given this morning, and of course for the four vehicles which they have sponsored, without which the mission would not be possible”. Symcox also said that “the dream is finally becoming a reality – after 1.5 years of meticulous planning, the mission is set to kick off and judging by the vast amount of support and encouragement we have received so far, I am certain that it will be a huge success”.

The crew, which also includes SA surfski paddler Barry Lewin (Umhlanga), SA surfer Jason Ribbink (Durban North), ex-Protea cricketer Lance Klusener (Mount Edgecombe) and marine conservationist Mark Addison (Widenham) will for the next four weeks, be making their way down the East Coast of South Africa, before reaching the Cape and heading up the South Africa-Namibia border at the Orange River mouth.

Symcox said that “if you see us or our support crew on the road or in the water, please stop off for a chat, give us a hoot or just a wave, as every bit of support is appreciated”.

Last night (19 April) the team spent the evening at the local Durban CANSA Interim Home “Makhuhla” where they shared stories about their upcoming expedition and met the cancer survivors who were undergoing treatment.

“It was a privilege spending time with our friends from CANSA and the survivors last night. It also coincided with our crew member Barry Lewin’s birthday so everyone sung happy birthday to him as well, it was a very special evening and a great reminder for us of why we are doing the expedition,” added Symcox.


For more information, to donate or simply just to track the progress of the crew both in the build-up and throughout the C2C4C campaign, log on to the official website at www.coast2coast4cansa.co.za or on the CANSA website www.cansa.org.za to get the latest updates, news, pictures and videos. As part of the C2C4C fundraising drive, an SMS line has been opened, and by SMSing C2C4C or DONATE to the number 38501, you can make a donation of R10 to the Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA campaign. The SMS donation line will also have a unique tracking application whereby people will be able to SMS “TRACK” to 38501, and a map and co-ordinates will be sent to the user which will show where exactly the jet ski crew are.

In addition to the website there is a Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA Facebook group and C2C4C Twitter page. Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA would not be possible without SPAR and IT partner Acer. Yamaha has provided the FX WaveRunners with RMR providing trailers and Thekwini Toyota sponsored a Quantum bus and Hilux vehicles for the back-up crew. RE/MAX has also contributed financially to assist with fuel expenses.

About The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)

CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as focus our watchdog initiatives to the greater benefit of the public. CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 51 offices as well as 12 interim homes countrywide.

For more, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA or email: lbalona@cansa.org.za or call 011 616 7662 or toll-free 0800 22 66 22 www.cansa.org.za