Northerns runner dedicates her eighth Comrades to child battling leukaemia

Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) member and Ashton International College teacher, Robyn Daniel, will dedicate her eighth Comrades Marathon on June 8 to leukaemia patient Zishan Reddy.

Moved by the Grade Three learner’s strength in the face of such a daunting journey, Robyn will run the 89km down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in honour of the youngster, who is facing his second battle with the disease.

“Zishan is awaiting a bone marrow transplant and his strength has moved me deeply. His mom and sister are incredibly brave and watching their quiet courage unfold daily has inspired me to act,” Robyn said.

She described Zishan as a “true warrior” who, despite undergoing maintenance chemotherapy, attends school and still enjoys his soccer practice and matches for Ashton.

“His sister, Thuraya, is a ray of sunshine in my class. She is a beautifully mannered young lady and always so positive. Their mom, Goolshun, is also a pillar of strength who shows much strength and courage.

“They are an inspirational family who will be in my heart while running the Comrades Marathon this year and hopefully give me the extra push when I need it.”

Robyn is a seasoned runner. She made her Comrades debut in the 2012 down run, finishing in 10:54:26 for a bronze medal.

She added another bronze in 2015 and Vic Clapham medal in 2016, before breaking the 10-hour barrier for the first time in the 2018 down-run, when she clocked 09:56:10 for her third bronze.

Her performance in 2018 set the for two successive Robert Mtshali medals in 2019 and 2022, before finishing under nine hours for the first time in last year’s up-run when she crossed the line in a PB 08:56:32 for her first Bill Rowan medal.

Robyn stated they are still searching for a bone marrow match for Zishan and urged community members to assist the learner.

Through Rainbows and Smiles, they have created a crowdfunding campaign where all donations will go to bone marrow research.

To help, go to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/robyns-2025-comrades-for-rainbows-and-smiles

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