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Balloonist braves shark-filled waters to build children's hospital to be named for Mandela

Matt Silver-Vallance, 37, took around an hour to float across the Atlantic Ocean from Robben Island, home of the prison where Nelson Mandela was confined, while harnessed to a mass of multi-colored balloons in grey, drizzly conditions with low visibility. It was the first stunt of its kind from the site.

The goal of the 3.7-mile crossing was to raise $1 million to help build a children's hospital named after 94-year-old Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president in democratic elections in 1994 after negotiating an end to white racist rule.

Mandela was released from the hospital on Saturday after more than a week of treatment for pneumonia that raised global concern about the health of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader.

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South Africa's Matt Silver-Vallance floats above the sea.
South Africa's Matt Silver-Vallance floats above the sea.Mark Wessels / Reuters
Matt Silver-Vallance reacts after he flew across the sea from Nelson Mandela's apartheid island prison using helium-filled giant party balloons.
Matt Silver-Vallance reacts after he flew across the sea from Nelson Mandela's apartheid island prison using helium-filled giant party balloons.Rodger Bosch / AFP - Getty Images
Balloons are released into the sky after South African Matt Silver-Vallance completed his crossing.
Balloons are released into the sky after South African Matt Silver-Vallance completed his crossing.Nic Bothma / EPA
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