The Coast2Coast4CANSA crew, supported by SPAR and ACER, left Brand se Baai in the Western Cape this morning (12 May) with the finish of their epic 2800km jet ski in sight. The five-strong jet ski team, who are on a 1511 nautical mile awareness and fundraising expedition for CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa), have another 340km to ride before reaching the Namibian border and the end of the twenty-four day journey.

Speaking before sunrise, expedition leader Russel Symcox said that “the entire team is really excited to be reaching the end of our expedition. We have been battling against the weather the last few days, so we are hoping that the glorious day which is forecast for the next few days actually arrives! The mission has been a rewarding experience, and we have been blessed to have encountered some wonderful people along the way”.

Apart from the weather, the team have also had to deal with the notoriously inaccessible West Coast, where locating adequate beach access for launching, beaching or refuelling has been a constant challenge. Symcox said that the “each and every person on this expedition has contributed to us getting this far, it has been the epitome of a team effort. We have also all drawn strength and inspiration from the incredible amount of support we have received from family and friends, people affected by cancer, sponsors and people who have cared enough to take an interest on our campaign”.

During today’s mammoth 340km ride, the jet ski team, which also includes SA surfer Jason Ribbink (Durban North), ex-Protea cricketer Lance Klusener (Mount Edgecombe), marine conservationist Mark Addison (Widenham) and former Dolphins cricketer Russel Symcox (Scottburgh), will cross the provincial border between the Western and Northern Cape, stopping briefly for one last refuel at Port Nolloth, 90km short of their ultimate goal.

To follow the progress of the campaign over the final few days, to donate to CANSA or simply just to track the progress of the crew throughout the C2C4C campaign, log on to the official website at www.coast2coast4cansa.co.za. For the official C2C4C blog, log on to http://www.getaway.co.za/page/coast-2-coast-4-cansa, and for daily updates follow or join the Twitter and Facebook feeds which are updated many times each day.

As part of theC2C4C fundraising drive, a 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.

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. Tigon Sports and Barron Clothing supplied clothes for the entire team.