Table Mountain’s “Iron Lady”, Tania Morkel, completed her 64 x 64 Challenge up Platteklip Gorge on Monday.
Wilderness Search and Rescue teams, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS medics, SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers and SANParks Honorary Rangers joined Morkel and her family as they started up Platteklip Gorge for the final ascent.
This challenge reportedly started to celebrate Morkel’s recovery after a near-fatal fall from Table Mountain on 13 September 2023. Following the incident, she spent 23 days in ICU recovering from extensive injuries.
“Each step back up the mountain was my thank you note to the rescuers who brought me home,” said Tania Morkel
Having blown past her original fundraising target of R64,000, she increased her goal to an incredible R100,000.
More impressive still, her Givengain page shows that this goal has also been exceeded, with over R108,000 received as of this writing.
“I hope these funds help them reach the next person in need and keep every hiker a little safer,” added Morkel
WSAR spokesperson David Nel has praised Morkel’s effort, saying that her determination on the mountain and her generosity off it embody the true spirit of volunteerism
“- a way of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on others,” added Nel
“The generous support for her fundraising campaign will help to ensure that our teams continue to provide a world-class rescue service to the outdoor communities of the Western Cape,” Nel said.
The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic who treated Tania after her fall in 2023, presented her with a bouquet of Proteas and Cape florals as she completed her last ascent.
READ MORE: Table Mountain’s ‘first lady’ raises thousands for WSAR and TMNP
