A man took a brisk walk from Cape Town to George in an act of love for his wife! The local Forrest Gump moment saw Lucien travel over 500 km to help her get her degree, and we’re all crying tears of joy.
Western Cape, South Africa (2 May, 2023) — They say in times of stress, a walk is the best cure. One man went the extra mile —many of them, in fact— on this sentiment. As an act of love for his wife, he walked from Cape Town to George—a brisk stroll over 500 km.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was the plot of a film (one the romantic in all of us would be happy to dedicate our tissues to), but Lucien Williams’ grand gesture is a true love story, and our tissue boxes are officially empty after this one.
Determined to help his wife, Washiela Williams, get her degree after it had been put on hold due to student debt, Lucien decided to go for a very long walk.
Washiela had gotten a bursary for most of her studies at UNISA, par one year—2021. In the same breath, she lost her job that year due to the pandemic’s impact.
Despite not having money for anything students need (books, the internet, or a computer) she made it work, even taking exams on her phone as in-person restrictions were still at play.
She passed everything and would’ve been on her way to graduation as a newly qualified teacher, but that messy year held her back thanks to outstanding fees.
Desperate to hold her degree after all the years of tireless hard work, Washiela created a BackaBuddy campaign, and Lucien picked out his best walking shoes.
At the end of March, Lucien hit the road to raise awareness for his Washiela and those life-altering funds.
He documented his adventure via social media where Lucien’s Walk became a nod of inspiration for people he met along the way, and those who followed his journey at home.
He travelled from Cape Town Stadium, past Gordon’s Bay, to Grabouw then Hermanus (Onusrivier). From Hermanus to Pearly Beach to Bredasdorp all the way to Swellendam. After Swellendam he tackled Heidelberg, then Albertina to Mossel Bay which would lead him along the Garden Route to Goerge.
People believing in his cause walked portions of the way with him and stayed with those who opened their homes to him.
He endured an injured back and tired feet but never a dampened spirit; always sharing positive thoughts and words of encouragement.
In early April, he made it to George!
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After days of resting, Lucien shared that he would do it again “in an instant.”
“This was the most significant, amazing, life changing moment in my life and I am grateful for it. For all of you that followed along I thank you and appreciate you.”
“When I got to George, I was elated but when I saw my wife I was elevated. I was home.”—Lucien Williams.
Overall, the couple raised R34 697,18 with their initial goal being R30 000.
We are in absolute awe of stories like this that show us all that love can and does go the mile.
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