Bucket list

Granny fulfils wish to ride a Harley
March 10 2008 at 03:12PM By Barry Bateman

The distinct roar of a Harley Davidson has brought tears to the eyes of many a brute, but for a dying grandmother the sound evoked emotion only a terminally ill cancer patient would understand.

Kitty de la Ponte (73) cried as the white Heritage Softail pulled into the Methodist Retirement Village in Queenswood on Friday morning.

Her dream to hit the open road on a hog was about to come true.
'I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows'

"I had to ride on a Harley Davidson, no other type of motorbike … and it has to be revved."

Her friends cheered as she donned the black leather jacket and helmet, knowing this was another tick on her "bucket list".

Inspired by the movie of the same name, De la Ponte has compiled a wish-list before she "kicks the bucket". In the movie, the story follows two terminally ill men on a road trip with a list of things they wish to do before they die.

De la Ponte was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and spent six months undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

"I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows," she said.
She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn

Daughter-in-law Annette said De la Ponte had accepted her fate.

"There is a stage when the cost of treatment is too high on the body."

De la Ponte said: "I had breast cancer 14 years ago and have had 14 wonderful years since then.

"I have watched my beautiful children grow up and seen my grandchildren grow up too."

De la Ponte said she had several other outings on her bucket list she still needed to complete.

She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn and a visit to the Kruger National Park.

"I also want to go on a holiday to my favourite destination, Cinsta, near East London."

De la Ponte has done hot-air ballooning and climbed Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia three years ago.

She said she wanted to take part in the 800km el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, but in her current state it would be impossible.

"A friend's daughter leaves for the Camino soon.

"I have given her a small stone with a red cross painted on it, which she will place on an altar where people who walk the el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage can lay stones for other people."

The bike's owner Annelie Gründlingh said she obliged when asked if she could help. "It costs me nothing but it means so much to her."

De la Ponte came back from the ride smiling broadly.

"It was a dream of an experience - the wind on my face, the speed and 'woema'.

"I will remember this white horse (Harley Davidson) for the rest of my life. If I remember anything (before I die), this will be the best."