For many, the start of April means nothing more than mornings becoming more chilly and leaves falling off trees, but for Matt Silver-Vallance, this Saturday 06 April means it’s time for the Robben Island Balloon Run. What does ‘balloon run’ mean, you ask? It’s a simply concept really.
Matt will tie himself to 200 helium-filled balloons and fly from Robben Island to Cape Town, with nothing but the natural elements to carry him across the ocean. Now the next obvious question: why would anyone want to do this? Matt is doing it for no other reason than to benefit South Africa’s children.
Matt used to work as a volunteer paramedic and has a passion for bringing proper medical care to our children. His goal with this whole stunt is to raise R10 million for the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
The Balloon Run has just been confirmed for Saturday 06 April. The flight is said to take approximately 45-55 minutes and a Navy vessel, four rubber ducks, a paraglider and a team of support crew from the Royal Cape Yacht Club will support Matt. Watch this space, as we’ll report on the event as soon as it happened.
You can also follow Matt and his team, stay up to date or donate to the cause. Follow Matt on Twitter (@balloonbloke), like the Robben Island Balloon Run Facebook Page or visit www.balloonrun.com.
The Balloon Run enjoys the support of a number of sponsors, including BMW, Afrox, Castrol, the Mount Nelson Hotel, Google SA, Rentshield, City Varsity and Do Lotto Good.
Featured image courtesy of Trevor Wilkins.
