The Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA campaign, supported by SPAR and Acer, got off to a tough but successful start as the five jet ski pilots launched from Sodwana Bay at 6am this morning, Wednesday 21 April. The first leg would see the pilots run up the coast into Mozambiquan waters and back down to Sodwana, before heading to Richards Bay the following day.

The pilots were welcomed on the beach by children from Sodwana Bay Prep, who were treated to jet ski rides by the weary but accomodating crew. The first leg of the four week journey was 171km long, and the strong South West wind and the choppy seas made for a phyically gruelling day, where the pilots required over six hours to complete the journey.

The expedition, which was the brainchild of expedition leader Russel Symcox, is aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer and CANSA. Symcox’s inspiration came at the funeral of close friends Jason and Brandon Ribbink’s mother Pam, who succumbed to cancer almost two years ago. Both Ribbink brothers are part of the C2C4C jet ski team, with Brandon accompanying the team until they reach Durban.

Jason Ribbink said that “Russel approached me with the idea soon after my mother’s funeral, and I obviously agreed. But at the time I was at a loss for words, and didn’t think much more of it until I bumped into Russ at a braai at Mark’s (Addison) place a few months later. he said that he was starting to put together the mission, and asked whether I was still interested, and obviously was!”

“I am honoured that this concept came about at my mother’s funeral, and I think that it is amazing the amount of work that Russel has put in to get this campaign to the point where it is today. So many people die before their time, and I was not that aware of cancer before my mom had it. My son turns six next week, and he should still have a granny.”

Early detection, and of course prevention, are key messages in this campaign and, as Russ has said, if we can save one person it will all be worth the effort. I am just stoked to be a part of this campaign and the adventure. For me, it is not a question of whether we are going to finish. This campaign means so much to me and my brother that we are fully committed to making it a huge success”.

Brandon Ribbink, Jason’s younger brother, said that “when Russel thought of the concept he told me about it almost immediately. I knew that it was unlikely that I would be able to find the three or four weeks to do the entire journey, but I am so excited to be able to join the core crew and to do the KZN leg of the journey. I have already learnt so much, especially about early detection. The work that CANSA do is amazing, and I am excited to be able to draw attention to the great work that they do”.

“I am a little bit envious that I won’t be able to do the entire journey. It’s a great bunch of guys and I am sure that they will be able to make a marked impression in the fight against cancer”.

The core jet ski crew of SA surfski paddler Barry Lewin (Umhlanga), 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 over the next four weeks complete the 2800km journey around the entire coastline of South Africa.

During their time in KZN, the crew will be treated to a welcoming function at the popular Zululand Yacht Club (22 April), and will also help to host a fun beach day of sports clinics thanks to the SA Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) at the Durban Ski Boat Club on Friday 23rd of April.

The 5 riders, who are all from KZN, will be regularly contributing to the C2C4C blog, which will be updated daily and which can be found at http://www.getaway.co.za/page/coast-2-coast-4-cansa. For regular updates, check out the official C2C4C website, www.coast2coast4cansa.co.za. The C2C4C Facebook and Twitter pages will also be updated many times a day, so don’t forget to sign up for and visit these pages to track the progress of the team.

For more information, to donate 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 or on the CANSA website www.cansa.org.za to get the latest updates, news, pictures and videos.

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.

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