Pretoria, Gauteng — Liza Groenewald (56), a long-distance runner from Pretoria and a familiar presence in the local running community, is now facing an intensive rehabilitation journey after being diagnosed with cancer in December 2025.
After qualifying for the Comrades Marathon earlier that month, she underwent two surgeries, including brain surgery in early 2026 after the cancer spread to her brain, which left her paralysed on the left side of her body.
A crowdfunding campaign has since been launched to raise R150,000 to support her recovery.
From Comrades Qualification to Medical Crisis
For more than two decades, Liza has been part of Pretoria’s running community. She is known not only for her endurance, but also for the encouragement she offers to others.
Fellow runners describe her as someone who shows up before sunrise, trains consistently, and often sacrifices her own race goals to help others through difficult kilometres.
In November 2025, she qualified to run her 7th Comrades Marathon in 2026, bringing her closer to her long-term dream of earning her green permanent number by completing 10 Comrades marathons.
Soon after celebrating that achievement, she received a diagnosis that would change everything.
Now a Cancer Diagnosis
In December 2025, Liza underwent a hysterectomy where doctors discovered a growth that was diagnosed as cervical cancer.
“She went for a hysterectomy in December 2025, where a growth was found and it was diagnosed as cervical cancer,” her supporters confirmed.
Further urgent treatment followed. In early 2026 she underwent brain surgery after the cancer spread to her brain. While the procedure was necessary, it resulted in paralysis on the left side of her body.
“She is currently hospitalised, still paralysed on one side and receiving her first round of cancer treatment,” supporters explained.
For a runner whose life has been built around movement, the adjustment has been profound. Recovery now depends on cancer treatment, regular scans, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and structured rehabilitation to help her regain strength and mobility.
“After the first round of cancer treatment, she will most likely return to a rehabilitation centre for physical rehabilitation on the left side of her body before her cancer treatment is re-evaluated,” her supporters said.
Her recovery journey may take significant time.
“It will most likely be months and perhaps up to a year before she is fully recovered and able to work again.”
While her medical aid covers hospitalisation and primary cancer treatment, it does not cover several essential costs such as ongoing scans to measure progress, intensive rehabilitation through third-party providers, home care support, assistive devices or income loss during recovery.
The R150,000 fundraising goal aims to help bridge that gap so she can focus fully on healing.
The Community That Runs Together
The campaign, launched by Zelna Black, has already raised R49 000 in just 20 days from 44 donors. Messages accompanying donations reflect the affection and respect the running community has for Liza.
“Sterkte Liza! Dis net nog ‘n bult. Jy kan hom wen,” one supporter wrote — comparing her recovery to another hill she will conquer.
Another donor shared, “We love and back you all the way!!! Stay strong!!!”
Supporters say the response has deeply moved her.
“She is very touched and humbled. People know her well, and from the responses you can see how many people she has helped on the road and whose hearts she has touched.”
For Liza, the support has also brought emotional relief during an overwhelming time.
“She is very grateful and their generosity is helping her focus on her healing process,” her supporters shared. “At one stage she wanted to give up because she was worried about her medical bills piling up. Now this support gives her peace of mind that the bills are being covered and she can focus her energy on recovery.”
To support Liza visit her BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/stand-with-liza-a-pretoria-running-legend-recover
