An injured foot, a broken trolley and heat stroke are but a few of the challenges Ray Sasman (52) faced during her 2 500km trek from Noordoewer to Katima Mulilo from 1 May to 12 August this year.
The 12-week journey to walk from one end of the country to the other was inspired by Sasman’s shattered dream of not taking part in the voyage of Santiago de Compostela last year – a trek through the beautiful Galicia region of northwest Spain – which she could not afford.
Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Ray decided to walk Namibia’s roads by herself and raise money to build a safe haven for young people.
Sasman says the NG Church youth centre provided her with a safe place to retreat to after school while growing up in Khomasdal.
Now she wants to pay it forward by raising money for a youth centre to be built at Walvis Bay.
She says she began preparations to trek from the country’s southern border to its north-eastern border in October last year.
She walked 10km during weekdays and 30km on weekends to become fit and familiar with walking in her shoes.
Sasman had a trolley made from scratch, bought the equipment needed for the cross-country trek and freeze-dried her food in advance.
She drove the route she would walk to see where to find water and places to stay overnight.
Despite all the planning, Sasman’s trolley broke during the third week of her journey on the B1 just outside Mariental, forcing her to carry all her belongings in her bag, weighing 20kg.
The trolley was meant to carry her gas stove, tent, sleeping bag, mattress, food, water and solar panel.
Having been forced to carry everything on her back, Sasman continued her trek from the south to central Namibia and would find herself on the road each morning before first light.
She would walk 5km, rest and then walk another 5km before lunch.
However, just 60km between Windhoek and Rehobth, Sasman injured her foot due to the weight of her bag.
She had to take three weeks out of her planned 15 weeks to rest and recuperate.
Sasman, who documented her journey on social media, managed to raise N$35 000 for the youth centre.
She says she is pleasantly surprised by the generosity of the Namibian people, who helped her by donating and sharing their homes and meals with her.
Journalling and remaining positive has kept her focused on the end goal despite her foot injury and suffering heat stroke near Otjiwarongo.
Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes has commended Sasman’s efforts and resilience in undertaking a selfless cause.
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