Spending 10 days in a plane in aid of St Francis
Andre van Zijl, which is an astounding 44-time world record holder, will be setting up his 45th record by becoming the first person in the world to spend the longest time ever on-board an aircraft.
He will be spending 10 days on-board, from November 26 to December 6.
During this period, Radio Oos-Rand Stereo 93.9 FM will also be setting up a world record for making the longest continuous broadcast from a Boeing 747.
The broadcast will be 10 hours long, non-stop.
Van Zijl has broken records in pumping petrol for more than 1 000, speaking on a phone for 50 hours ongoing and spinning 6 700km in a car for almost two months
His latest record attempt is in aid of raising funds for the St Francis Care Centre, in Boksburg, the SAA Pensioners Support Fund and the South African Airways Museum Society.
“A few years ago, I promised the St Francis Care Centre that I’ll have a fundraising event for them, and I keep my promises,” says Van Zijl.
“Helping the Centre is something that lies close to my heart.”
On Wednesday, November 26, at noon, Van Zijl will enter the Boeing 747 Lebombo at Rand Airport, Germiston, and remain until the record is broken.
He will be eating, drinking, sleeping, and bathing on-board before disembarking at 3pm on Saturday, December 6.
On World Aids Day, December 1, while still in the aircraft, he will be setting up record number 46, by having the longest ever Skype session.
The Skype session is set to start at midnight and will continue for 24 hours, until 11.59pm.
Being an HIV-survivor and activist himself, he is aiming to have conversations about HIV and Aids with between one- to two-million people during that period.
In 1984 Van Zijl was diagnosed with HIV and refused to see this as a death sentence or himself as a victim.
He threw himself wholeheartedly into educating people about HIV and Aids, by creating an informed awareness to help them overcome their fear.
Today he is cycling around South Africa spreading his message of hope and awareness, while at the same time raising much-needed funds for those who are in need.
His inspirational journey has touched the lives of thousands of people the world over.
Van Zijl will appreciate it if members of the public visit him on-board the Boeing 747, and he will take you on an unforgettable tour of this Jumbo Jet!
The public can visit Rand Airport on Saturday, December 6, at 9am to 4pm.
Donations towards the St Francis, whether it be children’s clothes, non-perishable food, toys or cash, will be much appreciated.
He was a crew member for SAA for many years on this aircraft. – @IschkeBoksburg
