A Claremont man will walk from Mossel Bay to Pringle Bay to raise money for Operation Smile.

Former rugby player Bob Bolus will embark on a month-long fund-raising walk, known as the Bob’s Bay-to-Bay challenge, from Monday October 24 to Thursday November 24 to raise money for cleft palate repair surgeries.

Mr Bolus was born in Cape Town but lived in Mossel Bay until he was 15. His family was forced to move back to Cape Town - hence his decision to walk from Mossel Bay.

After retiring five years ago, Mr Bolus wanted to do something meaningful - he took some time to enjoy his retirement and then Covid-19 struck. This year, he decided to take the plunge and challenge himself at the age of 65, to walk about 500km. Mr Bolus said this year also marked the 50th anniversary since they left Mossel Bay - which had been a traumatic time for their family.

“It was a deeply emotional time for all of us when the news was broken (1972) that we would be leaving Mossel Bay after about 15 years. We had grown up in this wonderful rural town, where life was utopia.

“What a sacrifice my parents made to continue to provide the very best education for their sons and daughters. It’s now time to sacrifice my time and effort to give something back to society, by raising funds for an extremely worthwhile charity.”

Mr Bolus said he was inspired after hearing an audio-visual presentation by David Grier, adventurer extraordinaire, about his endeavours to raise funds for The ‘Miles for Smiles’ (Operation Smile) Foundation for children with cleft lips and palates.

“The company I was working for did a roadshow with David. Hearing his stories and seeing the reactions from people and their willingness to donate to this cause, inspired me. David has been my mentor for the upcoming walk and has helped me prepare mentally and physically.”

Mr Bolus started his training in April - doing 15km to 20km beach, mountain or road walking every second day. The other days he cycles for about 80km to 100km for the week.

He has, however, always been active with notable sporting achievements including representing the first-ever selected SA Schools Rugby side, the Maties first XV Rugby and the WP Rugby under-20 and senior sides. He has completed a number of Two Oceans Marathons and two Comrades Ultra-Marathons. He also completed two Wines2Whales Rides, and enjoys golf and hiking.

Mr Bolus said this fund-raising project was close to his heart and hopes to raise as much funds as possible for the surgeries. His favourite saying “I smile a lot and people smile back”, was the backdrop for this project.

“I can’t imagine what it must be like for these children not to be able to smile or express themselves. To be able to give their smile back, means the world to me,” he said.

To donate, visit www.operationsmile.org.za You can follow Mr Bolus’ journey on his Facebook page.