Rainbows and Smiles receives more than R50 000 for kids with cancer
A six-hour fitness challenge became a heartfelt tribute to a little boy whose kindness continues to bring hope to families facing childhood cancer.
There were sore muscles, tired bodies, and plenty of determination, but for the members of CrossFit Rising Oak (CRO), the Six-Hour Enduro Challenge was about far more than fitness.
The gym community raised more than R50 000 for Rainbows and Smiles, a charity that supports children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Read more: Winter donations bring warmth to Diepsloot families
Bonita Suckling, founder pf Rainbows and Smiles, said receiving the donation was deeply emotional, because the organisation exists in memory of her son, Jed Brady Suckling. Jed spent more than three years bravely battling anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
Despite his own illness, he found joy in making other children smile, often giving gifts to young patients he met during hospital visits. His kindness inspired Suckling to establish Rainbows and Smiles in 2009, so that families walking a similar journey would never feel alone.
Accepting the donation, Suckling thanked everyone who took part in making the fundraiser a success.
“Seeing all of you today doing what you’re doing is not only so special for the work that we do, but it’s also a way for us to honour our incredible little boy who meant everything to us.
“Thank you so much to CrossFit Rising Oak, all the sponsors, and your gym members. We appreciate you all.”
Also read: CrossFit Rising Oak raises over R40 000 for children affected by cancer
For CRO, supporting the charity was an easy decision. “We believe fitness should mean more than just training for ourselves,” said Abigail Keats, of CrossFit Rising Oak.
“We have an incredible community of people who are willing to work hard, challenge themselves, and show up for one another, so it made sense to use that energy for something bigger.”
She said learning about the work Rainbows and Smiles does for children and families affected by childhood cancer gave this year’s Enduro a deeper purpose. “The Enduro gives people a challenge, but the charity gives it purpose.”
Keats said the money raised was a reflection of what can happen when a community unites behind a meaningful cause.
“Raising more than R50 000 wasn’t the result of one person or one effort. It came from members, families, friends, sponsors, and supporters all getting behind a cause that matters. That’s what makes it special.”
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