The theme for this years #HospiceWeek is Champions who care. During the week we will be showcasing the amazing champions that are affiliated to the different hospices in South Africa and how they advocate and show that they are true champions for their hospice!
The Hillclimb Ladies Team will be doing it again this year!
Their love for motorsport, cars and going fast will be put to test as they race up Simola Hill to raise money for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice. The Knysna Speed Festival will take place 6 – 8th May 2016. These talented drivers and motorsport personalities from across the country and an entrant from Germany will be competing in both the Classic Car Friday (6th May) and King of the Hill (Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th May 2016).
“Petrol flows strongly in our veins, but the desire to give back beats strongly in our hearts” says Ladies Hillclimb spokesperson Lerryn Mew. Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice is an organisation that means alot to us; the work they do is not only for the people to whom they provide care, but for those left behind providing the vital support system.
Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice who was established in 1986 and celebrating their 30th anniversary is serving the community by providing palliative, home-based care and support for persons with progressive, incurable or chronic debilitating illnesses. Their holistic care and support extends to families prior to and during the bereavement period. All services are offered free of charge to patients and families. Visit www.hospiceknysna.org.za or contact 044 384 0593 for more information.
The Drivers (Summary on each driver):
Di Dugmore: This is her second year racing in the Ladies Hillclimb Team raising funds for Hospice. She is a member of the Historic Single Seater Association of South Africa and also of Western Province Motor Club and enjoys regular circuit racing in Cape Town and around the country. She works in oncology in a private hospital in Cape Town, and understands the services Hospice offers to their patients and families. She is raising money for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice care and support in general. She is taking her 1958 AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE up the Simola Hill.
Anita Cusens (nee Spaans): is racing in memory of her late dad, Jerry Spaans who died of cancer and was cared and supported by Sun Gardens Hospice Lynwood Pretoria. He owned and restored quite a few old Fiat’s and Abarth’s, it was his dream car to build, and he raced it at Zwartkops and Kyalami in the Legends of the 9 Hour races. Unfortunately he never ended up fulfilling his dream racing in the Simola Jaguar Hillclimb. Anita will be driving her late dad’s Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR replica and raise funds for Knysna-Sedgefield Orphaned and Vulnerable children project.
Paige Lindenberg, a lady passionate about motor sports and love for adventure. She says “I owe my drive for success to my parents, father, Peter Lindenberg – Powerboating / Waterskiing / Car Racing Champion and my mother Debbie who has guided me with her wisdom down the correct path.” She will be driving 1967 V6 Cortina Perana MKII in the Classic Car Friday and her 2016 Shelby Mustang in the main event. Paige will raise money for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Project. More can be ready on her GivenGain Profile.
Andrea Linke, is from a very small village in eastern Germany and started her “driving career” on her grandfather’s tractor and will be racing for the first time as part of the Ladies Hillclimb team. During her studies she worked with demented people and visited many Hospices and has come to realise that death, illness and pain are not things people like to talk about. Life means usually fun, energy, planning for the future, happiness, adventures etc. But one day we and our families might need the care and support offered by Hospice. She will be driving her 1964 Mini Cooper and will raise funds for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice
Clare Vale, is a special lady and the love for cars and motorsport runs deep in her veins. This will be her first time going up the Simola Hill and as part of the Ladies Hillclimb team. We wish her all the best of luck! She will be taking her turbo powered Subaru BRZ drift car up the Simola Hill and will raise funds for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice Orphaned and Vulnerable Children.
Donacius (Donny), Lamola, her driving career started in 2013 when she was offered a practice drive in one of Ian Schofield’s Formula Ford Zetec Cars at Zwartkops Racetrack. She will be taking up her Formula Ford Kent car up Simola Hill and will be raising funds for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice.
Lerryn Mew, the only South African female live female motorsports commentator and has been doing so for the last 15 years. She is also the spokesperson for the Hillclimb Ladies Team. Lerryn will be on the mike again this year at the Simola Jaguar Hillclimb 2016. She has also dedicated herself to raise funds for Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice.
Each of the ladies mentioned will be driving and raising funds for Hospice Knysna-Sedgefield. Those who are interested in opening their hearts can assist each driver to raise money by opening their favorite drivers’ picture on the Hillclimb Ladies Team Facebook page, and then clicking on the link which will take you directly to their GivenGain Foundation profile to donate.
