Trail runner Stefan van Neel is gearing up to do 10 peaks in 10 hours for the 10 years of service for Iris House Children’s Hospice.
Stefan, 29, from Bellville wants to raise money to keep the hospice from closing down after the financial blow suffered when the pandemic made fundraising impossible.
The sports content marketer and former footballer did his first charity campaign in March this year, raising R25 057 for the CANSA Tygerberg Care home when he completed three peaks in five hours.
Stefan said he reached out to Iris House when he heard about their financial struggles due to many challenges such as the lockdown and a lack of government funding.
He will be starting in Kalk Bay at 5am on 30 October and finishing in Leeuwenhof at the official residence of the Premier of the Western Cape.
“I started trail running in July 2020, as I enjoy being out in the mountains, challenging myself mentally and physically, while enjoying the beautiful sights that the Mother City has to offer,” he says.
“I’ve always wanted to make a positive contribution to society and I feel that my passion for trail running allows me the opportunity to fulfil this dream.
“I have teamed up with Iris House Children’s Hospice and find myself doing 10 Peaks in 10 Hours for the 10 Years of amazing care that Iris House has and continues to offer to children with special needs and their families, at no cost.”
Sue van der Linde, the founder and CEO of Iris House, told Daily Voice that she is grateful for Stefan’s help.
“Stefan saw our #Saveirishousechildrenshospice appeal online, he then took it upon himself to challenge himself to do the 10 peaks in 10 hours,” she says.
“On meeting him for the first time, I was struck by how caring, considerate and compassionate he was, and I knew this run would be big.
“He has worked hard on his training, I know he can do it.
“The finish at Leeuwenhof will have the Premier Alan Winde and MEC Anroux Marais in attendance, we want to make him feel very special.
Sue adds: “Anyone can donate toward the #Saveirishousechildrenshospice appeal.
“We are not out of the woods yet, any donations are welcome, to keep our free services running.”
To support the cause, visit his Givengain page: https://www.givengain.com/ap/stefan-van-neel-raising-funds-for-iris-house-childrens-hospice/ .