My Sister’s Ray of Hope

In the spirit in which my sister approaches everyday life,I was inspired to challenge myself in order to raise funds and more so,awareness of the need that mentally disabled females in South Africa find themselves in.

My sister,Elmarie,is 42 years young and has been on a lifelong journey of daily trials and tribulations,which has recently intensified due to a lack of basic funding.Not only is she struggling to survive as a result of her disability,she is faced with possible eviction from her place of safety and care.Throughout this process,Ounooi has maintained her innocently positive attitude and infectious zest for life.

So,the Cape Town Cycle Tour - which takes place yearly,is a 109km fun ride (or so they say!),which has provided a platform for me to step out of my comfort zone and use as an oppurtunity to raise funds for my sister.Talking about 'my comfort zone' - I am a single mom with a full time job who's idea of exercise is cleaning up after my youngest son!Comfortable to cycle 109 kms sitting on a small leather saddle - NO! Driven to do it for my sister's wellbeing - YES!

This is where I need to appeal to you to help me raise funds for this earnest cause.

Help me to protect the safe environment created by the care facility in which my sister has been able to spend the last 20 happy years of her life.

You see,Ounooi is mentally and emotionally at the level of a young child in a grown - ups body which,as you can imagine,creates a number of challenges for her in a world not geared for mentally disabled adults,let alone woman.This leaves her vulnerable at every level.My parents have been able to cover bills to keep her in the care facility,but being pensioners with limited resources,her existence there is now under threat.

By supporting me with your financial contributions,we can be in a better position to keep Ounooi,and potentially many others like her in a safe and fit environment,able to continue living life as contented as possible.

I wish for my sister to have a fulfilled life and hope to be able to provide this for her.

Please support my sister. Please support this cause. Please open your hearts - and one last thing - think of me on the 8th of March as I pedal my way to raising funds for Ounooi.She is worth the helmet hair,sock tan and so much more!