On the road again

Sharon is also a wildlife warrior, conservationist, fitness fanatic, ultra-endurance athlete, adventurer, adrenalin junkie, serial entrepreneur, coach and trainer, motivational speaker and TV show host.

As the adage goes: if you want something done, give it to busy person. Which entirely encapsulates the essence of Sharon Jessop. Apart from being a wife and mother, Sharon is also a wildlife warrior, conservationist, fitness fanatic, ultra-endurance athlete, adventurer, adrenalin junkie, serial entrepreneur, coach and trainer, motivational speaker and TV show host.

Not content with setting a Guiness World Record in January 2021 for completing the most consecutive half marathon distances by a female, over 102 consecutive days, Sharon is on the road again. Fuelled by the dire state of tourism and particularly rhino conservation in her home province of the Eastern Cape, Sharon is taking up the cudgel to run a gruelling 650km over a mere 21 days as her contribution to the “OLLIMove” for the One Land Love It (OLLI) Foundation.

The primary aim of this undertaking is to raise awareness and money for those most impacted by the extended lockdowns. “The people involved with tourism and rhino conservation, have received absolutely no assistance or funding from government despite their livelihoods being quite literally on the line. No tourists mean there simply isn’t cash to fund desperately needed conservation efforts. Our rhino were endangered PRIOR to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the extended lockdown has ultimately exacerbated an already tenuous situation.” states Sharon emphatically. At her own (great) cost, Sharon has undertaken the 650km run to remind South Africans that both the tourism industry and rhinos are equally endangered.

“The Eastern Cape is an undiscovered gem that has so much to offer in the way of tourism. By supporting local South Africans are saving businesses, creating jobs, sustaining entire families and protecting those who can’t speak for themselves: our rhino.” Sharon continues. This intrepid, passionate and inspiring ball of energy will set off on 22 September, World Rhino Day. She will be running through several Eastern Cape game reserves that include the luxurious Mantis Founders Lodge, Kariega and Sibuya Game Reserves. The run will start from Mantis Founders Lodge, where it all began for wildlife conservation and tourism in the Eastern Cape due to Adrian Gardiner’s ambitious task to rewild the region to what it once was. All things being equal, Sharon anticipates being on the road for 21 full days, all in the name of doing what she loves: promoting tourism and conservation.

“So many people have been so severely, and negatively, affected by COVID-19 and the travel bans that have virtually crippled an entire industry. I am luckier than most, and it was with this in mind that I could NOT blithely sit by and allow this to happen on my watch. South Africans have a duty, a responsibility, to ensure their living legacy remains intact. My legacy will be that I gave my all to save those who needed it most, when they needed it most.” concludes Sharon. If you can assist financially, Sharon has started a Crowdfunding campaign that aims to raise not only awareness but also R1 000 000.00 and at least R100 000 by the time she sets off on 22 September. All profits will be equally divided between the One Land Love It (OLLI) Foundation and the various game reserves and their foundations such as the Mantis Collection’s CCFA.

Watch this space folks, because this firebrand is going places, literally and figuratively speaking.

CONTACT: Michelle Gillie (Pro_Motion) 082 331 7373