Help Bob bring smiles

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Bob Bolus (65), who grew up in Mossel Bay, has raised a whopping R270 000 for Operation Smile South Africa.

This charity helps children born with a cleft palate or lip to have surgery.

Bob walked 504 kilometres from Mossel Bay to Pringle Bay.

He started on 24 October in Mossel Bay and finished on Saturday, 26 November, at Pringle Bay. He called this Bob's Bay-2-Bay Challenge. Bob wore a special watch, which tracked his journey.

His walk took 30 days in total. He says: "It was my mom's birthday on 26 November. That's why I wanted to finish on that day."

Bob's family is well known in Mossel Bay. His mother, who is deceased, was a Vintcent and the Vintcents owned the historic Prince Vintcent building in Bland Street in the town centre. They were merchants. There is also a Vintcent Park near Park Primary School.

Bob has followed in the footsteps of others who have walked "Miles for Smiles".

Everyone can still pledge money until 23 December. Bob says: "I think we can reach R300 000."

Bob says he is overwhelmed by the "absolute, unbelievable support of family and friends". He says: "Some walked with me, others opened their houses to me and others donated. That was what it was all about."

He says: "I have a painful Achilles tendon at the moment. It was bound to happen after 504km."