All revved up for charity

KNYSNA NEWS - As per tradition, the Hillclimb Ladies Team and friends once again lent a hand of support to charity during this year's Simola Hillclimb by raising much-needed funds for the Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice.

The members and friends of the Hillclimb Ladies Team are not only skilled in the craft of ripping up the Simola Hill, but also in the art of giving back to the members of the community and organisations that need it the most.

Every year, at every Hillclimb, this supportive collective of ladies put their efforts together to raise money for an elected charity.

At the last physical Hillclimb in 2019, they raised money for the Knysna Animal Welfare Society, but this year they returned to another long-term beneficiary of their good will.

The Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice has been offering five-star palliative care to our local community since 1986, when it was founded by nurse Sue Brukman and doctor Joan Louwrens.

Francis Cusens lining up before the hillclimb startline.

As a means of thanking them for their work and to help ensure they can continue to do so, the Hillclimb Ladies Team has so far raised approximately R117 500 through their Backabuddy campaign. The funds will go a long way to help ensure the organisation is able to continue its great work within its communities.

This year was the 11th edition of what has become South Africa's premier motor sport lifestyle event with a growing international footprint. It was not only a special year in that they were able to assist the Hospice, but the team was also racing in memory of late team member Donny Lamola - the first black lady to race in the event and to stand on the class podium.

The Hillclimb Ladies Team is the realisation of a vision of Francis Cusens to raise finances for the greater Knysna charities. This year the team was made up of Paige Lindenberg, Di Dugmore, Michelle Hambly Grobler, Clare Vale, Nadia Viljoen, Francis Cusens and Clayton Kimber.

Apart from the much-needed finances raised, the Hillclimb Ladies Team treated each of the paediatric patients, orphans and vulnerable children that the Hospice supports, to a goody bag filled with treats and dignity goods.

Some members of the Hillclimb Ladies Team. From left: Kgalalelo Modimosana, Di Dugmore, Kelly Gregory of Investchem, Nadia Viljoen and Michelle Hambly-Grobler.

"Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice would like to convey a big thank you to this amazing team for their initiative and for the generous donations received through the fundraising campaign that each driver shared to their supporters on the Backabuddy platform," said Hospice's Karen Gschwend.

"We cannot do it alone. Your contribution, whether large or small, is always greatly appreciated and will go a long way in strengthening our hands to care for and treat our patients."

Di Dugmore alongside her 1976 van Diemen Formula Ford.