Mycroft saddles up for #BetChaeliCan’t challenge

ACTIVIST Chaeli Mycroft will once again show the world that living with cerebral palsy does not have to be an obstacle from living life to the full as she launches the #BetChaeliCan’t challenge.

The campaign will see her undergo a gruelling 75km endurance challenge on horseback through Meerendal Wine Estate to create awareness about the abilities of disabled people as well as their inclusion in society.

All funds raised will support the Chaeli Cottage Pre-School, an inclusive school and enrichment centre for disabled and non-disabled children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mycroft lives with cerebral palsy, which affects movements in different parts of the body, with varying degrees of severity. It’s caused by damage to the foetal or infant brain, before, during or within five years of birth, hampering neurological development. People with cerebral palsy struggle with motor control so have difficulty with posture, balance and movements. This means walking, talking and completing everyday tasks independently are often a huge challenge.

Sarah Manning, physical therapist and professional animal wrangler, says riding a horse is going to push Chaeli to the limits of her endurance.

“Chaeli is going to need to work tenfold more than your average, able-bodied person. Her body has to continuously work against its own muscle tension and against gravity to stay upright. Now add to that a horse – a moving, unpredictable creature – and the difficulty is compounded. This challenge will be immense for her,” she said.

Mycroft is also the inspiration behind The Chaeli Campaign, a social justice foundation changing society’s views on the capabilities and role of disabled children in South Africa and around the world.

As a recipient of the International Children’s Peace Prize, 23-year-old Chaeli has dedicated her life to pushing boundaries. Born with cerebral palsy and a degenerative neuropathy, Chaeli is the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, and the first wheelchair athlete to finish the Comrades Marathon. People can #BetChaeliCan’t by donating money to betchaelican’t.com

All contributions go towards providing access to education and facilities for disabled children, and creating an inclusive learning environment where preschool children learn together by playing together. Growing ability and inclusion activists at the age of four, five and six.