Phakula will be running from Mokopane to his village in December with the aim of raising funds to buy school shoes and sanitary pads for disadvantaged learners in his community.

After noticing a number of school children going to school without shoes or wearing worn-out shoes, he decided to do something about it.

“I’m hoping to make a difference in the lives of the youngsters.

“It’s not much, but I hope that the donation will help to get children to go to school.

“I believe that every child deserves a good education and by this, I’m trying to show them that education has the power to break the chains of poverty,” he explained.

His hope is to at least buy 50 pairs of shoes and supply over 20 girls with sanitary pads for the duration of the 2022 school year.

He will be distributing the donations between three primary schools, Mhlava, Pumulani and Tingitsi.

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Phakula (29) currently runs a small business from home where he sells sweets and other essentials.

He told the Herald that although he does not have much, it does not prevent him from impacting the lives of the less fortunate.

“I believe in the power of giving.

The bible states that ‘blessed is the hand that giveth than the hand that receiveth’,” he added.

He will divide the distance into three stages, running 50 km a day.

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He further added that the training preparations are going well and he is excited.

The longest distance he has ever run thus far is 42 km in marathons such as the Shikhumba Marathon.

He also thanked the people who are already making contributions towards the initiative.

For more information on the donations contact George on 076 2750036 or 078 413 3905.

You can also donate online on www.backabuddy.co.za/george-othello