Matt Dove is about to launch the Midlands Camino where he will tackle 330km non-stop to raise funds for the lifesaving care the Midlands Hospice Provides:
Midlands, South Africa (02 February 2024)—When it comes to any great Camino adventure, purpose pushes the walker on. The distance becomes secondary to the commitment. And the steps taken are less about the legs and far more about the heart.
For Matt Dove who is about to test and launch a 330km route in the Midlands (a non-stop endeavour for Matt), purpose and heart are at the centre of the big run. His Midlands Camino hopes to inspire others to donate their steps, all with the everyday heroes at the Midlands Hospice and those they work tirelessly to help in mind.
An experienced ultra trail runner, Matt has opted to launch a trail that aims to serve the Midlands Hospice and their funding initiative coming in April.
The Midlands Hospice tells Good Things Guy that starting on 23 February, the route will take Matt far and wide. He will leave from Howick through the forests of the Karkloof and Curry’s Post districts, the rolling hills around Nottingham Road to Rosetta before venturing into the gorgeous Kamberg valley where stud and sheep farms exist in tranquillity. From there, he will head through some of the darling Dargle Valley region of blue streams and the forests that open up to the grasslands. After he moves down the Dargle Forests, up over Mount Ashley and through the Mpophomeni community, which the Hospice has worked with closely, he’ll push on to the uMngeni Valley Gorge. Finally, he will trek through Umngeni Valley and Gwen’s Gorge before making it across Umngeni River until he reaches the Hospice again.
This map of trails is not random. It makes up the circumnavigation of the areas the Midlands Hospice serves; providing a physical interaction with where their influence reaches.
With Matt kickstarting the Camino, he will also be igniting the flame for the Hospice’s fundraising. Two months later, Midlands Hospice will be hosting a 12 Midlands Camino—Hospice330 Trail where others will join the call.
The funds will greatly contribute to the Hospice’s role in helping those facing life-threatening illnesses, with plans for an inpatient facility.
While the details for the Hospice330 Trail event are still in the works, Matt’s is gearing up to leave an incredible mark not just on the trails, but the lives of those near them.
You can keep up with the happenings on social media, and donations for this massive effort can be made as follows:
Howick Hospice Association
Standard Bank
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 052471624
Reference: “Run” and Your Name.
Section 18A certificates will be provided on request.
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