MOSSEL BAY NEWS - MOTH Hermann Sullward, a member a Minefield Shellhole in Phalaborwa, died of cancer, but is far from forgotten.
In his memory, a fellow MOTH, Jacques Janse van Rensburg, undertook an epic motorcycle journey of almost 6 500, involving other MOTHS around the country in a fundraising effort for the Sunflower Fund, that fights blood diseases like leukaemia through the recruitment of stem cell donors.
Hermann was not only a MOTH (Memorable Order of Tin Hat) and MMA (MOTH Motorcycle Association) member, but the Old Bill of Minefield Shell Hole in Phalaborwa and the chairman of the MMA Phalaborwa Chapter.
In October 2019 he was diagnosed with cancer. On Hermann's bucket list was his love for motorcycles and rides which included the famous Sturgis Rally in 2020, which was cancelled due to Covid 19. Another thing he wanted to do, is to ride the outer borders of South Africa.
"Like Hermann I also planned the trip to Sturgis 2020 and was cancelled, but with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions I see no reason why I cannot assist a fellow MOTH and MMA brother in fulfilling his bucket list whilst raising funds for the MMA charity of choice for some time now, the Sunflower Fund," explains Jacques.
Thus the Hermann Wilhelm Sullwald Bucket List Run was born.
The journey started and ended at the Minefield Shell Hole Phalaborwa. Due to logistical constraints, the route was adapted to not include several South African towns and cities, rather than the outer borders.
Brotherhood
On Tuesday 30 March, Jacques rolled into Mossel Bay, where he was welcomed by members of the The Blaize Away MOTH Shellhole. The MOTHS happily shared a boerie roll during Jacques' stopover in Mossel Bay
Newly affiliated member of the Shellhole, Hennie Bresler and Trevor James met Jacques on the incoming ride and escorted him to the Shellhole, and Hennie, being retired with time on his hands was able to escort Jacques to the MMA in Sedgefield the following day.
Jacques completed his epic ride on Sunday, 4 April. The final collection for the Sunflower Fund has still to be announced after all pledges have been received.
"Blaize Away Shellhole has made a generous donation to the Sunflower Fund and have been acknowledged by having our Shellhole pennant was on display at Minefield Shellhole," explains Anthony Janse van Rensburg, who organised the local event.
The Blaize Away Shellhole have been operating their mobile Boerie Wors Wagon around Mossel Bay to raise funds for worthy causes.
Jacques confirmed that so far, the money that came in from shellholes and generous contributions is standing at R62 047 raised for The Sunflower Fund.
"I am told that our run and contributions under Hermann's reference have made ripples throughout the foundation. Hermann, MOTH'S, MMA, friends and family all made a difference in someone's life. I cannot say thank you enough for your contributions and support to help us see this through. I salute you all," Jacques concluded.
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