Running for a reason

Nicole Webb is a Curro Aurora high school staff member and an avid runner who is running for a great cause.
“I am running my 90km for Rainbows and Smiles, and when my legs feel like they cannot carry on anymore, and my mind starts to give up on me, I will think of those so much less fortunate than I am and know that if they can continue, so can I,” said Webb.

The mission of Rainbows and Smiles is to provide emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child or children of that family is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as cancer. The organisation also encourages childhood cancer awareness and education, in the hope of promoting early detection.

Webb said that she has been a fitness fanatic her whole life. “From the age of three, I would be up in the mornings doing ‘Body Beat’ (for those of us old enough to remember), I then went on to become an aerobics and spinning instructor, and I am now one of those crazy individuals who run at ridiculous times of the day or night,” she said.

Running is an integral part of her life and her absolute passion. “It makes me a better person. The Comrades Marathon has now been cancelled for two years in a row, and this has always been my favourite running race of the year. I have completed four Comrades Marathons, with a personal best of 08:14:00. This past year, I have had some challenges in my personal life, and running has been my sanity in dealing with trying times.”

She said that training for 90km has given her a goal and a purpose, and something to look forward to doing every day. “I know that this year will be extremely tough, given that I will be doing the 90km on my own and without the thousands of supporters carrying me through. However, this is not as tough as the lives of many around us,” she concluded.

If you would like to donate to the foundation and support Webb in her endeavour, please use the following link: www.backabuddy.co.za/nicky-rainbows-hopechallenge2021