Harley Owners Group’s Clearwater Chapter hosts annual Christmas in July with Cupcakes4Hope

Jingle bells, Harley bikes, and cupcakes adorned Rusty Hook as the Harley Owners Group’s (HOG) Clearwater Chapter #7639 hosted some children who are fighting cancer, as well as Carol-Anne Potgieter from Cupcakes4Hope during their yearly Christmas in July event on July 8.

This event was organised by their charity officer, Lucy Nel, and welcomed eight children with childhood cancer and their parents and siblings. The morning started with a fun motorbike ride from Town Square to Rusty Hook where some of the children could ride along with the bikers. The smiles and cheers were visible from far away as they entered the parking area. Everyone got seated and Johan Smit opened the floor stating that hosting these events and donating to charities is something very close to the chapter’s heart. Lucy then introduced two of the children in attendance to tell their stories.

Delarise and Lumka shared their journey with those in attendance, both hopeful to have won their fight against cancer. Delarise was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at Charlotte Maxeke Public Hospital and Lumka got diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021, their respective parents exclaimed that they are waiting for final scans to confirm that the cancer is gone and the two girls are officially in remission.

After the teary-eyed stories, Santa Clause and Santina (Cornell Grewar and Colette Howie) came for a visit and gave every child a gift from the chapter. A delicious meal of burgers and chips, as well as malva pudding for dessert, was enjoyed by all. Once the food had time to settle they were invited to a fun lesson in line dancing to end the day. These events are hosted annually by the chapter and aim to help charities and organisations whose goals are to protect and help those in need.

* Surnames for Delarise and Lumka withheld upon request from their parents.