Freezing for a Cause

Photo by Caeri Dunnell

It’s an uncomfortably hot February afternoon in Grahamstown - yet Riaan Manser has icicles on his beard. I’m sure that’s not all that’s frozen, but it’s difficult to tell, with the thick jacket he’s wearing and all the other layers.

Manser is travelling from Durban to Cape Town in a 40-foot freezer container, at temperatures of -20°C and less, as preparation for his next adventure, in Iceland, in March.

It’s not the first crazy thing this adventurer has done - but this time it’s also for a cause.

“No food for lazy man” is the bizarre name he’s given to a trust which aims at raising funds to buy sport equipment for underprivileged schools.

Sport has always been a big part of Manser’s life and he says, “When we were children, we didn’t realise what a luxury sport was and the lessons we learnt.”

Manser will not leave his freeze-mobile for an entire week, as it stops at towns and cities to raise awareness and funds.

Photo by Caeri Dunnell

Photo by Caeri Dunnell

People can see Manser through the perspex sides of the truck, and some even get to join him inside for a few minutes - like Erin Little, a Grade 2 pupil from St Andrew’s Preparatory School.

“Aah, it’s freezing! I think I’m going to get frostbite!” Little shouts, as she climbs out of the truck.

I also get a chance to talk to Manser in the truck. The cold inside is unbearable. After about two minutes in the truck, I can’t feel my ears. After four minutes, my fingers are frozen - and so is the ink in my pen.

After seven minutes my brain and tongue follow suit and I have to get out.

There’s not much for Manser to do inside the truck: In a corner are blocks of ice - but his attempts at making an igloo have failed thus far. He has two gym machines, a toilet and a shower - but the water in the pipes is frozen. He sleeps at the back of the truck, where the temperature is slightly warmer, at about 0°C.

Photo by Caeri Dunnell

Unlike his other adventures, which he has undertaken unaided and by himself, he will be accompanied by Dan Skinstad, who has cerebral palsy, on his Icelandic trip. While Manser will be trying to conquer the landscape, Skinstad will also be trying to conquer his physical disability.

To make a R30 donation, sms "Donate" to 42220 to help the team raise at least R500 000.

Photo by Caeri Dunnell

Published in Grocott's Mail  on 25 February 2011.