In an inspiring testament to the power of determination and compassion, a mother from Hout Bay has recently completed one of the most challenging trekking routes in the world, reaching Everest Base Camp, Cape {town}Etc reports.
Yet, her journey wasn’t just about conquering mountains; it was about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in her community back home.
It comes after 55- year-old Joanne Seymour, completed the demanding 5 364m journey on Monday, March 2, standing beneath Mount Everest with the Little Optimist Trust flag, a symbolic moment marking months of preparation and a deeply personal fundraising effort aimed at supporting young people in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg, as reported by Sentinel News.
Her achievement comes after a 135km trek through extreme terrain, freezing temperatures and thin mountain air, all undertaken to expand access to sailing therapy programmes designed to help children facing trauma, poverty and disability.
A climb with purpose
The expedition was never just about reaching altitude. Seymour, a volunteer at the Hout Bay Yacht Club, set out to transform a personal challenge into practical support for children who might otherwise never access structured recreational or therapeutic programmes.
Through sponsorship backing secured shortly before departure, the initiative raised R138 172 in just two weeks, funding that will directly sustain sailing sessions run by the Little Optimist Trust.
‘Every rand goes towards providing transport from IY and Hangberg to the yacht club, as well as food, drinks, and instructor fees,’ Seymour explained, noting that funds also help maintain training dinghies used to teach sailing skills.
The programme uses time on the water as a therapeutic tool, helping young participants build confidence, resilience and emotional stability.
Reaching Base Camp required endurance beyond expectation, as temperatures plunged to -25°C, while oxygen levels dropped to nearly half of what hikers experience at sea level.
Seymour trekked for up to seven hours daily, navigating unpredictable weather that ultimately extended her journey.
‘I have never been so cold or so exhausted in my life, but it was worth it,’ she said after completing the climb.
The trek also carried personal meaning, as Seymour dedicated the journey to her terminally ill mother, Denise Creed, describing the expedition as both tribute and promise fulfilled.
Along the route, she marked her father’s 83rd birthday by leaving a card reading, ‘You Are My Everest.’
While corporate sponsors formed the backbone of early fundraising, Seymour hopes local residents will also help push the campaign further.
A dedicated ‘Trekking Everest’ Backabuddy page created for the Hout Bay community aims to raise an additional R30 000, with about R8 000 collected so far.
‘The Little Optimist Trust is very dear to my heart, and I am delighted to have raised nearly R140 000 so far,’ she said, adding that community support could expand opportunities for more children.
The Little Optimist Trust, which is a registered charity, focuses on using sailing as a pathway toward healing and personal development, offering structured mentorship and outdoor learning experiences that organisers believe can open long-term opportunities.
Details shared through the organisation’s social media updates highlight how transport, meals and instructor access remain ongoing costs necessary to keep the programme accessible to disadvantaged youth.
Although the climb itself is complete, Seymour’s mission is not. Travel disruptions linked to unrest affecting international flight routes may delay her return to South Africa, but she plans to use the time to amplify fundraising efforts.
‘When I get back, I want to push my Backabuddy page one last time,’ she said, stressing the urgency behind the campaign.
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