Robben Island Balloon Run this Saturday, 6 April

Intrepid aviator, Matt Silver-Vallance, is excited that the time has come, after four years of careful planning, to float over the ocean towards the Cape mainland using a cluster of 200 helium party balloons in the colours of the South African flag in order to raise R10 million towards the building of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital. Capetonians are invited to watch the daring stunt from Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand, which will offer the best vantage point.

He says, "It's thrilling to do something so out-of-the-ordinary from such an iconic landmark - and to raise money for a worthy cause at the same time. Thanks for all the support thus far. Even though I'm taking a risk, it is very small compared to the enormous risk that Nelson Mandela took all those years ago to help make South Africa the incredible country it has become."

Make a contribution

He urges all South Africans to support Mandela's legacy and invest in our children's future by either making an online donation through the www.balloonrun.com website or by sending a donation by texting the word "Balloon" to 40301 for R20.

The flight is scheduled to take place around lunchtime, but as it is entirely dependent on ideal wind conditions, it is advisable to keep an eye on the Balloon Run Twitter handle @Balloonbloke in order to know exactly when the flight will take place, and follow the #RIBR hash tag for updates or on the Facebook page.

The Balloon Run enjoys the support of a number of sponsors, including BMW, Afrox, Castrol, the Mount Nelson Hotel, Google SA, Rentshield and City Varsity.