Two Oceans Aquarium | Little Optimist Children’s Book Event

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Read Full Article Here : https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/greg-bertish-launches-the-little-optimist-childrens-book-and-raises-funds-f

Big-wave surfer, lifesaver, businessman, humanitarian, cardiac patient, survivor and founding member of SharkSpotters. These are just some of the titles to describe the inspirational waterman Greg Bertish. On 31 May, Greg will be here at the Two Oceans Aquarium for a special event to launch his delightful children’s book The Little Optimist and to raise funds for SharkSpotters.

Greg and SharkSpotters are both very valuable friends of the Aquarium; and Greg also happens to be the brother of Two Oceans Aquarium Ambassador Chris Bertish.

About 16 years ago, Greg – 30 years old at the time – picked up a rare tropical bacteria that attacked his heart valves. Over the course of the next six years, he underwent two open-heart surgeries, suffered from re-infections, and spent nearly 200 days in hospital. And yet, as a heart patient, Greg has gone on to become a South African Champion Lifesaver, to receive National colours in stand-up paddle boarding, and to surf some of the biggest waves in the world.
Living a life many of us don’t think is possible, Greg is a walking, talking, surfing, sailing , authoring example of what tenacity and perseverance really is.
The real-life Little Optimist : Greg’s channelled his energy even further by publishing a children’s book called The Little Optimist. Written by Greg and illustrated by Chip Snaddon, this is the story about a tiny boat with a huge heart. It’s a story inspired by Greg’s own real-life Little Optimist, an eight-foot “bathtub” sailing dinghy in which he covered more than 200km of South Africa’s coastline last year to raise funds for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Filled with adventure and brimming with life lessons about optimism and never ever giving up, the book was created to show kids that little people can do amazing things.

Event Details

Join us on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm for an evening with Greg Bertish, in support of SharkSpotters. There will be a presentation by Greg Bertish on The Little Optimistand the early days of SharkSpotters, followed by an auction of a few prizes to raise funds for SharkSpotters, so come prepared.

R35 of every copy of The Little Optimist book sold will be donated to SharkSpotters. Greg will also be available to sign books, which will be on sale at the event at a cost R120 each.

Tickets cost R70 (for adults 18 years and older) and R50 (children 4 – 17 years of age). The price of entry includes wine, a burger and skinny fries, and an entry into a lucky draw. A cash bar will be available.Doors open at 6pm and proceedings are scheduled to start at 6:30pm.

Please book through members@aquarium.co.za or call +27 (0)21 418 3823. Seats are limited so don’t delay!

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