A local cross country skier took on an arduous challenge over the holidays for some of the world's poorest children.
Kirsty Bock of 100 Mile House was one of three skiers who set out to complete a 100 kilometer marathon to raise funds for Hope School, located in East London, South Africa, which enrolls children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Bock's marathon at the Nordics Ski Trails on Dec. 26 went on for 11 hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and raised at least $1,100 locally.
Skiing for the same cause were Max Easterbrook, in Whistler, and Blakely Browne, from Leavenworth, Wash.
Bock, a member of the University of British Columbia ski team, says her ski at 99 Mile Hill was rather cold when she started (-15 C) and warmed up to around -8 C around midday.
"The first 50 km went well but the second half was the toughest, especially the last 25 km when it started to get dark again," she explains. "The conditions were really slow with all the fresh snow and the wind. I really appreciated having my mother [Lauren Bock] there to motivate me and keep me well fed. Also, a huge thank you to the folks who came and skied with me and to all those who donated."
All funds raised are to help cover tuition costs for children living in extreme poverty. Many of these children have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS and/or have the disease.
"This school is an amazing place where children are given a second chance at life," Bock adds.