Drakensberg Hikers battle weather to help Aids children

Mercury - Hikers battle weather to help Aids children: "Cape Town: A group of 13 hikers who have taken part in the grand traverse of the Drakensberg have battled harsh weather to raise R250 000 for the Hearts of Hope organisation, which takes care of Aids orphans.

The group are expected to complete the hike today at the Bushman's Nek border post.

Hearts of Hope Chairman Paul Reid said the hike was going well yesterday, the 11th day of the hike.

The group members were carrying up to 25kg and had to endure 25km hikes with freezing winds, Reid said.

'The guys have been walking since April 4. The trail is about 250km and it's really cold out there. It has been -3C. There's frost on the tents. The guys have blisters and their feet are numb and sore.'
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But they were all in good spirits, said Reid, who walked the first four days of the hike.

Ten members of the group are Capetonians and the rest are from Johannesburg.

Reid said his organisation aimed to build homes and provide foster care for children infected and affected by the pandemic.

'But our first goal is to get them adopted,' he said.

Each of the group members had donated R3 250 to the fund before their Berg adventure started, he said. - Mercury Correspondent"