Every kilometre Liam Prime pedals and runs is a lifeline for Nyakallo, a 13-year-old who is bravely battling leukaemia.
Nyakallo lives in Tyoksville in Dordrecht. His mom is a student nurse and his father a worker.
Through sheer determination, unwavering commitment, and immense compassion, Liam, a Stirling High grade 12 pupil is turning miles into miracles for a boy he has never met.
Liam will run and cycle more than 2,000km to raise hope and funds for the teen.
With three weeks left, Liam aims to complete 1,600km of cycling and 500km of running.
Since launching the Miles for Miracles campaign in late July, Liam, a peak performance athlete, has dedicated his training to raising funds for Nyakallo’s urgent medical needs, including a stem cell transplant and ongoing hospital care.
To date, the campaign has raised R6,730 through BackaBuddy and direct donations — an impressive feat fuelled entirely by Liam’s passion and perseverance.
Nyakallo’s life has been fraught with hardship. After his stem cell transplant on August 21 at Netcare Pretoria Hospital, he was discharged less than two weeks later due to depleted medical aid funds, despite his fragile condition. He was back in hospital two days later to treat a dangerous blood clot, while awaiting funding help.
Liam has not slowed down. Last week he cycled 157km and ran 69.95 km, leaving 236km to run and 774km to cycle over the next three weeks.
He said: “Helping others has always been important to me. I love sport, so this campaign lets me use my passion to make a real difference.”
Even when illness sidelined him briefly, the knowledge that he was supporting Nyakallo kept him going and strengthened his resolve.
Balancing intense training with matric prelim exams is an art. Liam coordinates his schedule weekly with his coach, Eben Hartslief, to ensure study and athletic goals align.
His mother, Vanessa, watches with pride. “His heart for service inspires me every day. I ensure his nutrition and health are maintained, and his coach carefully monitors him to prevent burnout,” she says.
Vanessa is also moved by Liam’s dedication. “He truly embodies a servant’s heart. The fact that he chose to invest his energy and talent in helping someone he doesn’t even know speaks volumes about his character and compassion.”
From Nyakallo’s mother, Thokozile Mbambo, comes a raw, heartfelt perspective: “The past weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Watching my son suffer through treatment, pain, and uncertainty is heart breaking. Financially, it’s been overwhelming, we couldn’t afford a down payment of R240,000 and he was discharged despite being clinically unfit. Thankfully, after signing an AOD (acknowledgment of debt), he was readmitted.”
Despite his hardships, Nyakallo’s courage beams through. “Some days are very tough. He suffers pain, nausea, and sleepless nights, but he keeps smiling and dreaming about the future,” his mother said.
The family is deeply grateful for Liam’s support, which has brought hope and shown they are not alone in this fight.
Liam remains determined and inspired. “I am grateful to use my sporting talents to help Nyakallo. This campaign has shown me how powerful compassion can be. I plan to continue charity-driven challenges that use my gifts to make a meaningful difference. Please keep Nyakallo in your prayers.”
How to help: Donate via BackaBuddy at the Miles for Miracles campaign page, FNB account: 63006797451. Arrange collections by calling 078-451-9965.
