Courageous duo raise funds for Headway Natal
Shaun Black single-handedly pushed 70kg Hayden Driemeyer up and down hills for 90km to raise awareness on traumatic brain injury. The duo, one of only two wheelchair teams, raised R146 000 for Westville NPO, Headway Natal.
A CAR accident in 2020 which left Hayden Driemeyer with multiple physical injuries and a severe traumatic brain injury did not take away his courage and resilience.
Prior to the horrific car accident, Driemeyer had a job in hospitality and had just earned his Master’s degree from Stellenbosch University.
Since the accident, he has been working hard to regain his mobility and independence.
To raise awareness for traumatic brain injury, Driemeyer and Shaun Black decided to participate in the ‘Ultimate Human Race’, the Comrades Marathon.
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With his sister Fran Steart being a dietician, she helped Driemeyer to keep his diet on track.
“I also did some shoulder training to try and assist Shaun on the route. Shaun is a really strong man, and I am truly grateful to him and all the other people that helped us to reach our goal,” he said.
They set off at 05:00, one of only two wheelchair teams.
They had many seconders and supporters, along the roadside, watching on TV or in WhatsApp groups. A standout moment for them was passing Kearsney College, where they received a phenomenal welcome; the cheers and chanting were a powerful moment of unity and camaraderie.
Black single-handedly pushed the 70kg Driemeyer up and down hills for 90km. Near the finish in Durban, Black helped Driemeyer out of his seat, and together side by side they walked over the Comrades finish line.
Headway-Natal is a non-profit rehabilitation centre providing therapy and assisting survivors of acquired brain injury, stroke victims and those caring for them.
Headway was chosen as a beneficiary of the Back-a-Buddy campaign that was started, as it is situated in Westville on the Comrades route and Driemeyer wanted to help others in a similar situation. An amount of R146 000 was raised to assist Headway in continuing to provide its service to the community.
The duo, affectionately known as Goose and Maverick, are now looking forward to taking on the Two Oceans Marathon.
Headway-Natal manager Colleen Marais expressed her appreciation that Headway was the chosen beneficiary of the funds received and to have been a part of the amazing journey of Driemeyer’s Comrades experience.
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