Runners tackle 24-hour challenge for Bella’s Blessings

Runners from Randburg and surrounds took on a 24-hour challenge at St Stithians College on October 3, to raise funds for Bella’s Blessings.

Bella’s Blessings offers care and accommodation to children with special needs and abandoned children, relying heavily on donations and caregivers’ salaries to operate.

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Around 35 to 40 runners completed hourly laps of the St Stithians grounds, raising R24 569. Tents with camp chairs and rest beds were set up where participants could rehydrate, eat, and rest between laps.

Organiser Jade Taylor said the concept was inspired by her husband, Craig, who wanted to undertake a 24-hour running challenge for his 40th birthday to benefit charity. “As a mom myself, the stories the children have are all so touching and close to my heart. Running around those grounds meant so much to me. Running is something people often take for granted, not everyone has the endurance or legs to do it. So, the concept centred around running for people who couldn’t,” Taylor said.

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She admitted that even as frequent Comrades Marathon runners, the team found the event hard. “The route was uphill, similar to Comrades, so the run was gruelling. That stop-start was intense, but so worth it. I hope all the children know that they are loved and should never question the impact they have had on our lives,” she said.

Craig, who ran the full 24 hours, said the event was a unique challenge despite his experience in the Comrades Marathon and Ironman. “There was lots of talk and good banter over the 24 hours. The stop-start was physically a different feeling, but the biggest challenge was the sleep deprivation. Trying to get 10 to 15-minute power naps was a different challenge, but knowing that you are running for a bigger cause is worth every step,” he said.

Greg Woolard, father to children at Bella’s Blessings, expressed his gratitude to the participants and donors. “What stood out the most for me was definitely the runners who ran full-time. To have someone running 24 hours without sleep and proper rest is absolutely amazing. To see the tenacity that they had to actually finish it was a feat well done,” Woolard said.

Woolard said the funds raised will cover day-to-day expenses, including groceries, clothing, and caregiver salaries. The event concluded with participants completing between 24 and 33 laps, with Craig, Nikola Ramsden, and Gareth Arnold running for over 24 hours.

Donations can be made via BackaBuddy, through the home’s social media platforms, or by contacting greg@bellasblessings.co.za or 078 166 0348.

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