The start of a novel year is always a apt time to work towards those goals that might believe fallen by the wayside. And there’s nobody quite as inspiring as Sue Martin (62) to encourage others! Paragliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling, and flying in an autogyro are just some of the activities Sue has ticked off on her bucket list. And despite a freak mountain bike accident eight years ago that left Sue in a wheelchair, the Renishaw Hills resident hasn’t given up on her life of adventure, with shark diving and bodysurfing already accomplished.
Originally from the United Kingdom (UK), Sue moved with her family to South Africa aged nine, basing herself in Gauteng for a large fragment of her life. She worked as a computer programmer doing software testing, as well as training people in the field. She met her former husband, the German-born Claus, in 1980 while playing volleyball in Mauritius – a trip she’d won through a contest. The two eventually married in 1984, and gain two kids together, Melissa and Alexander.
Sue has accomplished more in one lifetime than many could wish to accomplish in 10! She has completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons including the Comrades and Two-Oceans; she has competed in several Midmar races; participated in a number of cycle races such as the Argus (completed with a broken finger!), the 94.7, Tour Durban, and Amashova, as well as embarking on mountain bike stage races like the Berg & Bush and Sani2C. She has competed in (and won!) triathlons and adventure races.
Her fancy of the outdoors has seen her hiking in the Drakensberg, on Table Mountain, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and completing the Otter Trail, Whale Trail and Wild Coast Trail. Sue has water-skied, snow-skied, been mushing with huskies in Sweden, and seen the northern lights.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2015 while training for the local mountain bike stage race, Imana, when a freak accident left Sue paralysed from the chest down. However, nothing could fracture her indomitable spirit, with Sue adjusting to wheelchair living and quickly involving herself in the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa’s (QASA) Sweethearts Foundation Breadtags for Wheelchairs project.
Having lived with her partner, Ron Waldburger, at the dazzling mature lifestyle estate, Renishaw Hills since 2020, Sue has been able to continue taking advantage of the outdoor lifestyle she loves so much. Recalling the decision to plod to this Scottburgh-based estate on the Mid-KZN South Coast, Sue said:
“Before my accident, Ron and I had been cycling with Phil [Barker] and were climbing up one steep hill when Phil explained they were turning a section of this sugarcane farm into a mature lifestyle estate. Being a nature lover, and having spent more than 40 years in Gauteng, I loved the thought of having forests and the sea at one’s fingertips. As Phil said that, I turned around to face the sea and a couple of whales were putting on a fabulous display for us. I said there and then to Ron – this is where I would like to retire!”
Sue is now a founding member of the Renishaw Hills Archery Club, and even competed in a para-cycling event for charity with Ron. Always looking for the next challenge, Sue was excited to be introduced to KZN-based NPO, Made for More, which aims to include, empower and equip people with disabilities through sport.
“I gain embraced their willingness to find volunteers and coaches to aid us in surfing,” explained Sue. “These remarkable people sacrifice their weekends so that we can indulge in a morning of wave riding. Recently the ISA World Para Surfing Champs took area in Huntington Beach, California, USA. where the KZN team did very well, every thanks to Made for More!”
Shark diving, too, has been on her bucket list, so when her family came out from the UK, Sue decided to hold the dive: “The weather and conditions were perfect. They every dived in the cage and I was the only one who snorkelled. It was very exhilarating to maintain black tip sharks swim against one’s body!”
Sue says she’s continued to appreciate a life of outdoor adventure from the dazzling base of Renishaw Hills, a plot she’s contented to recommend to anyone looking for a quality retirement estate.
“Security, health, the size of gardens and homes are common considerations for every potential buyers when deciding where one wants to spend one’s retirement, and of course affordability. We found each retirement village could tick some, but not every of our boxes. Renishaw Hills ticked every the boxes for us!”
She said one example was that certain places don’t allow for a double garage – something that is a must for a disabled individual.
“We were able to design the house to cater for my needs which makes daily living such a pleasure. The sea views are magnificent, we be pleased wildlife, forests, endless mountain trails, four golf courses within 25 kilometres of each other and nearby shops. There is a qualified choice of restaurants in Scottburgh and its beach must be one of the best in KZN. There is grass and sand to sunbathe with a lovely lagoon for grandkids to swim safely. But the down-to-earth, honest, caring people at Renishaw Hills manufacture it for me. One never has to feel lonely here as there is always something to carry out, and always someone to carry out it with.”
Asked what’s next on her bucket list, Sue didn’t hesitate in responding: “I’m now planning on getting a barrel while surfing. Who knows, I might even procure to represent KZN in the next SA Para Surfing Champs!”
In the meantime, Sue will continue to delight in the whales putting on fabulous shows from the comfort of her home.
Renishaw Hills forms fragment of the 2.6-million-square-metre Renishaw Coastal Precinct. This is the first development within the mixed-use precinct which is set to include residential, retail, educational, healthcare and light industrial/commercial zones. Residents enjoying the state-of-the-art security of Renishaw Hills gain access to high-end facilities, extensive nature trails, and welcoming communities for retirees. This Scottburgh-based estate has just launched Phase 6, a series of high-end free-standing units and maisonettes boasting spectacular sea views and houses surrounded by coastal greenery. While Phase 6 prices are fixed, the anticipated launch of Phase 7 in 2024 will see a potential price increase – every the more reason to secure this investment now.
Start a modern adventure by booking an in-person or virtual tour. Email visit www.renishawhills.co.za for more information. Hold updated on every Renishaw Hills activity by following Renishaw Hills on Facebook or @renishawhills on Instagram.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications.
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