Hiking in the icy cold up the rugged, steep terrain of Sani Pass isn’t exactly Debbie’s adventure of choice – but to honour children courageously facing cancer, she showed up and pushed herself from start to finish!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (24 June 2026) – Most people can agree that leaving our comfort zones isn’t easy. But when something speaks so deeply to our hearts and souls, we naturally get just the right amount of ‘nudge’ to step out and champion something greater than ourselves.
Take the inspiring Debbie Riggien, a Rainbows and Smiles member who is no fan of exercise, yet hiked up Sani Pass for the Sunflower Sky Hike this past Sunday in honour of children fighting cancer!
According to the childhood cancer charity, Debbie isn’t usually one to be active, but she showed up and pushed through – enduring the cold, steep terrain, loose rocks, big holes, and sections covered in ice.
This was her second Sunflower Sky Hike, and she was convinced she could only walk at least 6km, as the first time around, she only managed to cover 4km.
“The day started at 5 am, cold and damp,” Debbie shared in a post.
“We got to the border post with time to spare for the 7:30 am start. So many people got up and showed up for the hike.”
A cautious and excited Debbie embarked on the adventure, repeatedly checking her progress and heart rate on her smart watch while taking in the breathtaking views every chance she got.
She paced herself and breathed throughout the final stretch to reach the Sani Pass Border Gate sign that read: “Welcome to Lesotho”. She said the snow-capped mountain tops were absolutely worth pushing herself.
“When I finally caught up and stopped my watch, I had walked 7km! I am proud of myself, and I know Phil is proud to. I had a goal, and I crushed! What a thrill it was to know that I had conquered 7km of Sani!”
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She also paid a very special tribute to two childhood cancer warriors, Jed and Hanno, by placing two very special rocks on the mountain pass in their memory.
At the end of it all, her body may have felt it, but Debbie had fulfilled a truly heartfelt mission.
“I did this for myself, for the kids fighting cancer – past, present and future – I did this to honour the Rainbows and Smiles team and all we do.”
A huge well done to you, Debbie!
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