East London humanitarian Tyron Golden is set to embark on his final marathon run in memory of his late mother and others from the East London community who have lost their battle with cancer.
For seven years, Golden has organised fundraising runs to support the Children’s Cancer Foundation SA (Choc), and this year’s event will mark the culmination of his efforts. He has completed several runs, including a 70km journey from Stutterheim to East London and a 100km run from Worcester to Cape Town in 2021.
Golden’s mother, Henrietta, passed away from cancer in 1997. He said this last run is especially personal. “I have always run in memory of my mother and other incredible women close to our hearts, like Bernadith Bosch, Esther Jegels, and Tarin Holster. Though this will be my final fundraising run, I will continue to support Choc through other means,” he said.
Golden will be running the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on October 24, traveling from KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town to participate.
His goal is to raise funds for Choc houses nationwide, which provide essential support for children undergoing cancer treatment. “All the money raised goes to Choc to ensure children affected by this terrible disease can be comfortable while receiving care,” he added.
The fundraising target for each run has always been set at R1m, a challenging but hopeful goal.
“Even if we don’t always reach it, I keep praying for it,” Golden said.
Jayde Fouche, a representative of The Cows, another group dedicated to raising funds for Choc, praised Golden’s efforts.
The Cows started in 2008 after a group of friends, including Grant and Kerrin Bain, who had lost their daughter Jessica to cancer, decided to take part in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge to raise money. Since then, they have raised over R55 million. “Our goal is always simple — better than the year before,” Fouche said.
“We strive to make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer.”
Golden’s final marathon is a powerful tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support those still fighting.
To contribute to his efforts please donate funds, groceries or household goods at your nearest Choc branch or contact Tyron Golden on: 064-853-5664.