Eighteen months after surviving a near-fatal fall on Table Mountain, Cape Town woman Tania Morkel, 64, is climbing the iconic peak 64 times in 64 days—a mission of gratitude to raise funds for the Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR) team who raced against time to save her life.
Tania’s fate took a turn on 18 September 2023, when she fell 18 metres down a ravine on Table Mountain. Her niece, who accompanied her on the hike, immediately contacted Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) for emergency assistance.
In a fortunate turn of events, an Austrian hiker with medical training discovered Tania and provided crucial stabilisation until the WSAR team arrived. The rescue team worked against the clock to rescue Tania. Three hours after the fall, she was airlifted to safety and transported to hospital.
Tania’s injuries were extensive and life-threatening: multiple spinal fractures and two lumbar burst fractures, a fractured skull, a brain haemorrhage, several broken ribs, a punctured lung, a lacerated kidney and spleen, and damage to her liver.
For 23 days, she remained in intensive care, primarily on ventilator support as she fought for survival.
The subsequent rehabilitation period presented significant challenges as she began adapting to her new reality, but she made a recovery, with the love and support of friends, family, and an excellent medical team.
“I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by world-class doctors, physiotherapists, other medical professionals, my family and friends, and hundreds of people worldwide who constantly prayed for my healing.” says Tania.
A mission of gratitude: Giving back to WSAR heroes
As Tania gradually regained her strength in the months that followed, she developed a profound desire to give back to WSAR—the organisation instrumental in saving her life during those critical first hours after her accident on Table Mountain.
To honour her journey and support these worthy causes, Tania has committed to an ambitious challenge: climbing Table Mountain 64 times in 64 consecutive days. Each ascent represents approximately 750 meters in elevation gain, meaning she will climb a cumulative 48,000 meters over the total period.
To support her endeavour, Tania launched a fundraiser on GivenGain, already having raised over R31,000 to date for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and Table Mountain National Park.
Having previously served as a wildfire fighter with Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), she understands the dedication and personal sacrifices these volunteers make when responding to emergencies. WSAR relies primarily on volunteers who contribute their time and expertise while often purchasing their own equipment, including radios, backpacks, and uniforms.
“Additionally, I want to support Table Mountain National Park. This beautiful world heritage site offers free access to its wonders, and keeping it safe for all visitors is vital. By raising funds, I aim to enhance footpaths and signage to inform hikers of potential dangers,” says Tania.
With a goal of raising R64,000, she is nearly halfway toward funding critical resources for her lifesaving heroes and enhancing trail safety at the iconic site.
Now almost halfway into her challenge, Tania recently completed her 30th climb. “It was a perfect day,” she recounts. “It was quiet after yesterday’s storm; everything was fresh and sparkly.” What made the day even more special was being joined by a member of her rescue team.
“I had the honour of Hendre Zoutendyk from WSAR joining me for half the way! She was part of the remarkable WSAR Search and Rescue Team who attended to me 18 months ago when I plummeted 18+ meters down the mountain. It was incredible to hear her perspective on the event.”
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Each climb brings its own unique experience. On day 29, Tania was accompanied by her son, Stephen.
“As we climbed, the city appeared and disappeared in the floating mist, water found its way through every nook and cranny and streamed down the granite steps and walls. All just awe inspiring.”
The mountain holds deep personal significance for Tania.
On day 23, she climbed with her longtime friend Robyn Tait, “who introduced me to the mesmerising wonder of Table Mountain 35 years ago. We have walked these and other mountains since our kids were little, and now, in our deep 60s, we still make it look easy. This one is to friendships and adventure. May they always go together.”
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Tania’s way of expressing gratitude, improving safety for future visitors at Table Mountain, and supporting the WSAR team who work tirelessly to protect lives in the wilderness, is nothing short of remarkable.
Find out more about Tania’s fundraiser here.
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Feature Image: Given Gain / Tania Morkel
