From near-death experience to conquering Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days

“I’m so excited to get to the end of this, and that I’ve made it one piece, it wasn’t always easy but I’ve managed to get quite fit in the end, and I feel very strong, and ready to take on the world.”

Rondebosch resident Tania Morkel, 65, has successfully completed her 64 x 64 charity challenge to climb up Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days. She was motivated to do the challenge after overcoming immense odds.

In 2023, Morkel suffered a life-threatening 18-meter fall down a ravine in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). She was rescued by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and spent 23 days in ICU, recovering from multiple serious injuries, including spinal fractures, a brain haemorrhage, and internal organ damage.

Morkel said she suffered a punctured lung and spent three weeks on a ventilator. She also broke her back in two places.

She said she was fortunate to be surrounded by world-class doctors, physiotherapists, other medical professionals, family and friends, and hundreds of people worldwide who constantly prayed for her healing. After regaining her strength, she felt a deep desire to give back to WSAR and TMNP.

Morkel had explained that she previously served as a wildfire fighter with Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and understands the volunteers' dedication and financial sacrifices in responding to emergencies.

She said she was touched when she reached the top of the mountain, and was welcomed by not only her friends and family, but those from the WSAR and TMNP.

“It is quite incredible to think that when I saw the warm welcome from the people meeting me at the top of the mountain, and also the people who came along, it was just wonderful to have a response.

“I’m quite relieved. I knew that it was possible, but I was worried that I would get sick, or maybe the weather wouldn't allow it, and in the end everything worked out,” Morkel said.

“I’ve been amazed that I got stronger and stronger towards the end. In a lot of ways, it mimics my time in the hospital… Once I knew that I would survive, I started fighting to get rid of all the pipes that were in me, and every day I listened to absolutely everything that the physios and doctors told me because I wanted to not only make it out of the hospital alive, but I wanted to thrive.

“I’m so proud that I could actually come out this strong, and that I've even gained strength throughout it, and also gained so much respect for the mountain and also all the people who have been there alongside me that have encouraged me,” Morkel said.

She explained that although she managed to achieve her goals for the challenge, it wasn’t always easy, and Day 18 especially proved to be challenging.

“On Day 18, I had taken a natural sleeping supplement, and I had a big reaction to it. It made me very dizzy, and I got nauseous, so my gardener was there to go up with me, just so that I wouldn’t go alone, and he went up with me and made sure that I was fine."

“About a week after that, I couldn’t eat, I was scared, and wondered what was going to happen. I don’t know what it was, but it almost felt like it triggered a trauma response similar to when I was in hospital and when I used to be extremely dizzy and nauseous.”

“Thanks to a trauma counsellor who managed to help me through, and it really worked incredibly well at helping me accept that it was a trauma response, and that I deserve to be on the mountain,” Morkel said.

“From that time onwards… I learned to accept that I have a right to be on the mountain, and to enjoy the mountain, and make it my own experience."

Morkel surpassed her goal of raising R100 000, with the total now sitting at R103 000. Eighty-percent will go to WSAR, which deals exclusively with search and rescue, and 20% of the funds go to TMNP.

“The money needs to go towards helping make the paths safer, so I am just overjoyed at being able to help, and that the money goes to very worthy causes.”

Cape Times