Athlete raises thousands for Con Amore with his backyard Comrades
Teacher Ansie Gildenhuys said the school was overwhelmed by the response
A Pretoria man (42) did thousands of laps in his backyard to raise money for Con Amore School in Esther Park.
“I’m a sucker for a challenge, especially when it comes to raising funds for a good cause,” said Bennie Roux about his backyard Comrades which he finished in 10 hours and 29 minutes on April 4.
The seasoned runner started running at 6.30am with the goal of running the 90km distance of the Comrades Marathon in his own yard.
ALSO READ:
At 50, Marsh is still at the top of his game
So far, Bennie has raised R70 000 (and counting) with his part in a joint venture with friend Suzette von Broembsen from Rosebank, who is also taking on the challenge to help raise funds.
Nearly R300 000 have been raised so far.
Bennie has been a runner for the past 22 years. “I’m addicted to running and regularly participate in trail running. I’ve won the Munga 400km trail three times, which includes running in the mountains for a couple of nights.”
He competed in a plethora of marathons, winning five silver medals in 11 Comrades races and one silver in five Two Oceans marathons. He also completed 250 miles in the Moab trail in Utah, USA.
ALSO READ:
KPFC itches to get back on the field
How did this initiative come about?
“A friend challenged me with a 43km run in my yard. After I finished that, they urged me to do the Comrades. I only agreed as donations were needed for a school.”
When he spoke about the generosity behind all the donations streaming in, Bennie said it gave him hope in life.
“And it gives me an excuse to be crazy.”
A special education teacher from Con Amore, Ansie Gildenhuys, told Express the school was overwhelmed by the response. “We sincerely appreciate every donation received towards this project.
“As soon as the lockdown is over and we are back at school, we will engage with CFCI Welfare and PSG to show our appreciation in a more personal way,” said Ansie.
Bennie said it would be an absolute pleasure to attend a formal hand-over ceremony once restrictions were lifted.
Ansie said the school’s normal fund-raising projects, the golf day, Con Amore festival and autism tea, had all been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
She approached CFCI Welfare with the possibility of the organisation assisting them to upgrade a section at the school.
According to Tracey Thomaz from CFCI Welfare, they embarked on this project to renovate and upgrade Con Amore School.
ALSO READ:
Youngsters train to be bully-proof
“CFCI Welfare visited their premises in February and began with all the costing just before lockdown.
“Suzette from PSG contacted us with her marathon in the garden initiative and requested a project from us for a good cause. CFCI Welfare asked her to come on board with the Con Amore project,” said Tracey.
Also follow us on:
