Tania Morkel’s journey is a vibrant tale of thanks and strength as she climbs Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days. After a terrible fall that nearly cost her life, she felt a deep gratitude for the Wilderness Search & Rescue team who saved her. Each climb represents her appreciation, and she hopes to raise funds for the team and improve safety on the mountain. As she climbs, Tania not only honors her rescuers but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and community, inspiring everyone around her to embrace resilience and gratitude.
Tania Morkel was inspired to climb Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days as a tribute to the Wilderness Search & Rescue team that saved her life after a severe fall. This challenge reflects her gratitude and commitment to enhance the safety of the mountain and support the rescue volunteers.
On the picturesque but perilous terrain of Table Mountain, Tania Morkel embarks on an extraordinary endeavor that speaks volumes about human resilience and the spirit of giving back. At 64 years old, she commits to climbing Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days, driven by a profound sense of gratitude toward the Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR) team. This unyielding mission underscores her determination to honor the heroic efforts that saved her life less than two years ago.
September 18, 2023, was a date that would forever change Tania’s life. During what seemed like a routine hike, she fell 18 meters into a ravine, sustaining severe injuries. Her niece quickly alerted WSAR, triggering an urgent rescue operation. Fate intervened when an Austrian hiker, equipped with medical knowledge, discovered Tania and administered vital first aid until the rescue team arrived.
WSAR, composed largely of volunteers, displayed remarkable efficiency. Within three hours, they managed to airlift Tania to safety and transport her to a hospital. Her injuries were extensive—multiple spinal fractures, a fractured skull, brain hemorrhage, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and damage to internal organs. Tania spent 23 days in intensive care, relying heavily on ventilator support to cling to life.
Tania’s path to recovery was daunting and required immense physical and emotional fortitude. She attributes her miraculous recovery to the relentless efforts of top-tier medical professionals, physiotherapists, and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and a global community of well-wishers. Reflecting on this support, she shares, “I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by world-class doctors, physiotherapists, other medical professionals, my family and friends, and hundreds of people worldwide who constantly prayed for my healing.”
As she gradually regained her strength, Tania’s gratitude for WSAR’s life-saving intervention intensified. This led her to conceive an ambitious challenge: scaling Table Mountain 64 times in as many days. Each ascent, amounting to roughly 750 meters in elevation gain, would collectively equal an astonishing 48,000 meters. This monumental effort stands as a tribute to those critical initial hours following her fall.
To further her cause, Tania initiated a fundraising campaign on GivenGain, aiming to raise R64,000 for WSAR and Table Mountain National Park. The campaign has already seen significant traction, amassing over R31,000. Drawing from her background as a wildfire fighter with Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), Tania understands the dedication and sacrifices made by rescue volunteers. WSAR operates primarily on volunteerism, often requiring individuals to purchase their own essential equipment.
Tania’s mission extends beyond personal gratitude; it’s also about ensuring the safety and preservation of Table Mountain National Park. “Additionally, I want to support Table Mountain National Park. This beautiful world heritage site offers free access to its wonders, and keeping it safe for all visitors is vital. By raising funds, I aim to enhance footpaths and signage to inform hikers of potential dangers,” she explains. Her commitment aims to make the mountain safer for all who visit, ensuring that its beauty and accessibility remain intact.
Currently, Tania is almost halfway through her monumental challenge, having recently completed her 30th climb. “It was a perfect day,” she recalls, describing the serene conditions following a storm that left the landscape “fresh and sparkly.” Joining her on this particular climb was Hendre Zoutendyk from WSAR, one of the rescuers who saved her life. Their shared reflections on that pivotal day added a poignant depth to the climb.
Each ascent offers Tania unique experiences and moments of reflection. On the 29th day, she climbed with her son, Stephen. “As we climbed, the city appeared and disappeared in the floating mist. Water streamed down the granite steps and walls, all just awe-inspiring,” she recounts. For Tania, the mountain isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a constant presence that has shaped much of her life.
On the 23rd day of her challenge, Tania climbed with Robyn Tait, a friend who introduced her to Table Mountain 35 years ago. “We have walked these and other mountains since our kids were little, and now, in our deep 60s, we still make it look easy. This one is to friendships and adventure. May they always go together,” Tania muses, emphasizing the deep bonds formed through shared experiences in nature.
Tania’s quest is more than a personal challenge; it’s a powerful homage to those who risk their lives to save others and a commitment to enhancing the safety of a treasured natural landmark. Her climbs epitomize resilience, gratitude, and the profound impact of community and service. With each step, she not only ascends Table Mountain but also lifts the spirits and hopes of all who follow her remarkable journey.
Through this incredible endeavor, Tania Morkel demonstrates the transformative power of gratitude and determination. Her story is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the strength found in community and the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. As she continues her climbs, Tania inspires countless others to appreciate their blessings and give back to the world around them.
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Tania Morkel was motivated by her profound gratitude toward the Wilderness Search & Rescue team (WSAR), who saved her life after a severe fall. This challenge serves as a tribute to their heroic efforts and aims to raise awareness and funds for improving safety on Table Mountain.
On September 18, 2023, Tania fell 18 meters into a ravine while hiking, sustaining severe injuries including multiple spinal fractures, a fractured skull, brain hemorrhage, broken ribs, and damage to internal organs. She spent 23 days in intensive care, relying on ventilator support during her recovery.
Tania has initiated a fundraising campaign on GivenGain with a goal of raising R64,000 for WSAR and Table Mountain National Park. So far, she has raised over R31,000, which will be used to enhance safety measures like footpaths and signage for hikers.
Tania has had numerous reflective moments during her climbs, such as climbing with her son and friends who have been part of her journey for decades. Each ascent has provided unique experiences, allowing her to reflect on her recovery, friendships, and the beauty of Table Mountain.
Tania’s climbs not only honor her rescuers but also aim to enhance the safety and preservation of Table Mountain National Park. She emphasizes the importance of keeping this world heritage site safe for visitors and supporting the volunteers who protect it.
People can support Tania by donating to her GivenGain fundraising campaign. Additionally, they can follow her journey, share her story, and spread awareness about the importance of safety on Table Mountain. Engaging in outdoor activities responsibly and appreciating nature also contributes to the mission she stands for.
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