Michael Webb, affectionately known as the Pink Fairy, recently completed the Comrades Marathon to raise funds for animal welfare.
He ran his 23rd consecutive marathon and raised R23,000 for the Qonce SPCA.
For the past 11 years, Webb has committed his sporting prowess to charitable endeavours, despite the physical toll this takes.
In collaboration with his wife, Klara Ann, and under the banner of the Pink Fairy Multi-Sports Adventures, he has contributed towards improving social conditions for people and animals in the Border region and believes there is still more he hopes to achieve.
With 26 years of running under his belt, Webb has completed various races all over the country including four Ironman races and multiple adventure races.
To prepare for the Comrades Marathon, Webb focused on cultivating both the physical and mental endurance.
He said: “As always, completing the Comrades Marathon is an incredible feeling. It is called the ultimate human race for a reason. It was simply amazing,
“I believe that the Comrades Marathon is 30% physical preparation and 70% mental preparation.
“I battled mentally this year due to personal reasons, with my wife in hospital, but thankfully all was good on the morning of the race and I managed to get through the experience,” Webb said.
In addition to this, Webb hosted an adventure trail race earlier this year at Yellowsands in support of local NPO, Furry Godmother.
Concerned by decreasing support for animal welfare in East London and in Qonce, Webb will continue to host events this year, including a raffle, and all proceeds will go towards beneficiaries focused on animal welfare.
The Qonce SPCA is thrilled to have received the donation and confirmed the funds would go towards providing necessary food and medical supplies.
Chair of the Qonce SPCA, Annette Rademeyer said they were extremely happy about the work that Webb had done to assist the SPCA.
“Michael has been raising money for us for many years and we are extremely grateful for what he does for us.
“He also visits schools and collects food. We will probably use some of the money to sort out a vehicle, which is giving us hassles and we need to buy blankets and food for the animals as well,” Rademeyer said.
