At 75, most people are ready to take life a little easier, but not Iain Buchan. The founder of The Unlimited and The Unlimited Child, along with his daughter Wallis Watt and son-in-law Ken Watt, is preparing for the ultimate endurance challenge: the Antarctic Ice Marathon, set for December 13, 2024. Their goal? To raise awareness and funds for The Unlimited Child, a non-profit transforming Early Childhood Development (ECD) across Southern Africa and beyond. Their mission aligns with Nelson Mandela’s belief that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
FROM GQEBERHA TO THE SOUTHERNMOST MARATHON ON EARTH
For Iain, Nelson Mandela Bay holds a special place in his marathon journey. In 2021, when the Ice Marathon was postponed due to COVID-19, Iain completed his first-ever marathon right here in Gqeberha at the age of 72—an extraordinary achievement for someone who has undergone a quadruple bypass. The Bay’s vibrant spirit fueled his determination, laying the groundwork for his upcoming 42.2-kilometre trek across Antarctica’s frozen expanse.
“Nothing stops my dad,” shares Wallis. “His courage and determination are infectious, and Port Elizabeth’s community played a vital role in his journey. It’s where he proved to himself—and others—that no challenge is insurmountable.”
TAKING THE MISSION TO NEW HEIGHTS
The Unlimited Child has already reached over two million children, empowering thousands of ECD centres and practitioners with the tools and support to provide quality early education. The Buchan family views the Ice Marathon not just as a physical challenge but as a way to amplify their mission.
“The harsh reality is that there are millions of children, not only in South Africa but worldwide, who lack access to quality early childhood education,” says Wallis. “If we fail to act with urgency—individually and as a society—the long-term consequences will be profound. Without the right education and stimulation in those critical early years, children lose opportunities that cannot be reclaimed later. No matter how dedicated teachers are, they cannot fully bridge the gaps left in those formative years. Every child deserves a strong foundation to thrive and succeed.”
THE MARATHON OF A LIFETIME
Taking place just a few hundred miles from the South Pole, the Antarctic Ice Marathon is no ordinary race. Covering 42.2 kilometres in temperatures as low as -20°C, with katabatic winds and the constant risk of frostbite, it demands extraordinary preparation and resilience. It’s a fitting metaphor for the work The Unlimited Child does to overcome challenges in early education.
“While we’ve achieved so much through The Unlimited Child, under the leadership of CEO Candice Potgieter, we’ve only scratched the surface,” emphasises Wallis. “Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and global awareness is a key part of making this a reality.”
SMALL CONTRIBUTIONS, BIG IMPACT
As the Buchan family takes on the Ice Marathon, they hope to inspire people to take action. For just R25 per month, you can help support a child’s education for an entire year.
“To date, the programme has impacted over 2 million children in South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and even Yemen,” says Wallis. “Together, we can unlock every child’s potential—one step, one child, one dream at a time.”
To learn more or donate, visit The Unlimited Child. One small act can help unlock a lifetime of opportunity for a child.
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