Passionate veterinarian Dr Roger Davies will be running the Discovery Surfers Challenge this weekend in shiny green mermaid tights, trident in hand, to raise much-needed funds for the Hilltop Animal Outreach.
Davies, 40, of the Wild Coast Veterinary Clinic Crossways, launched his fundraising campaign on Wednesday on Hilltop Animal Outreach’s Facebook page.
His R10,000 goal is depicted in a “Merman Meter” progress bar, alongside a photo of him ready to race in his ocean green and gold outfit.
“I think his legs are worth about 10 grand in those pants, and we are willing to see if others agree,” Hilltop Animal Outreach co-founder Jenni Krause, 44, said.
“Roger is so committed to welfare, and came up with the idea and asked what do we think?
“If he is happy to wear the tights — I said with those sexy legs he is welcome to give it a smack.
“Imagine putting that level of spandex on, running and swimming.”
Krause started the NPO in 2010 with her mother, Sue Kietzmann.
They were selected among the 2020 Daily Dispatch Local Heroes for their work helping stray, injured, hungry and neglected animals across East London.
They now have 30 animals spread through their foster network, but also provide food and medical assistance to numerous stray cat colonies.
“Roger has been great to the organisation, they have never closed our account or stopped us from coming in.
“Last year our bill was over R100,000. We are always looking at how we can fundraise, which is difficult because we all work full-time.
“He is mad as a hatter, but very passionate.”
Saturday’s 17.5km challenge starts on a narrow gravel road at the Kwelerha River mouth, before hitting the beach — rocks, loose boulders, stones, shingle and soft sand — on the way past Rainbow Valley.
The route also includes two river crossings before reaching the finish line at Nahoon Beach.
Davies has done the Surfers Challenge numerous times since emigrating from the UK in 2012.
“I’m normally quite competitive in the Surfers, I have loved doing the event.
“This year I have decided to take it a bit easier,” Davies said.
“When racing it, your heart rate is at 100% for an hour and 15 minutes, and you don’t have time to take in the scenery so much.
“The idea is to have a bit more fun, and I thought a merman theme would be appropriate, with the water and the beach.
“I recently turned 40 and we had a wild 40th bash. Let’s just say it’s not the first outing for these pants.
“I will be running with the trident, in my sparkles and green tights, welcoming in hi-fives along the way, seeing friendly faces, being part of the festive atmosphere, drinking a beer halfway, maybe eating a pancake, definitely accepting a shot or two.
“But more importantly welcoming in donations for the Hilltop account, which allows us to provide the care these poor animals desperately need.
“I’ve also recruited two more runners — Landman Bester and Lowell Scarr, so we will be a trio of mermen.
“On the day, look out for us and please support the worthy cause.
“Their outfits are still being finalised, so they will be wildcarding it on the day.
“Lowell said he might just get a pair of underpants and put them on his head, so let’s see what he turns up with.''
The Wild Coast Vet and Hilltop have a long-standing relationship and have provided care to thousands of animals for more than a decade.
''We work very closely with Hilltop and do a lot of welfare work together.
“They rescue cats and dogs and we provide the care at cost [price] — yet still the overwhelming number of stray, abandoned or debilitated animals.
“It’s an ongoing challenge to fundraise and have provisions for basic needs.
“We often talk about being the hummingbird. There is an old Native American proverb; a hummingbird was flying towards a forest fire, he had been dipping his beak in a dam and was dropping his little beakfull of water onto the flames.
“A badger running away from the flames says ‘why are you doing this, you are wasting your time’.
“The hummingbird says, ‘I am just doing my bit’.
“If we all do our bit, even in a small way, we can put fires out.”
Donations can be made to: Wild Coast Vet
Bank: Nedbank
Account number: 1187342793
Reference: Merman
- Follow the fundraiser on the Hilltop Animal Outreach Facebook page.
Daily Dispatch