From the hospital to the racing track

Marthinus Fourie from Rooiwal and Khensani Chauke from Atteridgeville were recently treated to a day out at the Festival of Motoring courtesy of the Reach For A Dream.

The foundation’s Dream Club brought high-speed thrills to life for the group of young dreamers at the festival hosted at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

Fourie and Chauke from Pretoria, along with the rest of the group of children were given the rare opportunity to experience laps in world-class supercars, turning an ordinary day into one of exhilaration and joy.

For the dreamers who live with life-threatening illnesses, the day offered more than the thrill of racing.

It gave them a rare chance to step away from hospital routines, to laugh, and connect with friends who understand what they are going through.

Chauke receives treatment from Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) every Monday, while Fourie was diagnosed with Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Leukaemia and is currently in remission. He is being treated at Netcare UNITAS.

This young boy beamed with excitement after completing his lap. He explained how much the driver added to the thrill. “The car was very fast, and the driver patiently explained why he was going at the speed he was going at. This experience was nice.”

For Fourie, the day marked his very first time in a supercar.

He admitted he was nervous at first, but soon discovered the joy of the ride. “This experience was fun, especially for my first time in a fast car. I was very nervous at first, but when I got in the car, it was very nice. I would definitely do it again.”
True to his word, the 13-year-old climbed back into the seat for multiple laps in different supercars.

The event was just as meaningful for the drivers who volunteered their time and cars.

Dream Club supporter Ozayr Rahiman reflected on the privilege of being part of the day and said, “It’s a privilege taking Reach For A Dream kids around the Kyalami track. There is so much potential in this world, and it resides in the hearts and minds of every single child that is a part of this club.”

In February, Reach For A Dream and the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company launched a Dream Room in the Paediatric Cardiac Ward at Steve Biko Hospital.

This was an addition to the partners’ nationwide initiative designed to create a haven where children can escape the clinical environment of hospital care and step into a world of creativity, play, and hope.

The room is equipped with engaging toys, art supplies, books, and immersive virtual reality experiences. It has been carefully designed to be a joyful sanctuary for young patients in the paediatric cardiac ward.

The Dream Club hopes to continue creating spaces where children can leave illness behind, even for a little while, and simply feel the freedom of being children again.

For more information, visit: www.dreamraffle.co.za.

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