Sean Clarke (28), a multi-talented para-athlete from Craighall Park, Johannesburg, is an inspiring individual who overcame a severe injury at the age of 7 that resulted in the loss of use of his left leg.
Despite being classified as disabled, Sean’s determined spirit and passion for sports led him to refuse to let his injury hinder his aspirations.
In August 2022, Sean challenged himself to participate in the Comrades marathon, against the advice he was given, to fulfil a lifelong dream.
Pictured above: Sean Clarke running the Comrades (Image credit: Brandon Gould Photography)
After conquering the mammoth marathon, doctors encouraged Sean to find new avenues for physical activity, and to take on sports which would place less strain on his hips and knees.
Ever adaptable, Sean began to explore swimming and cycling as alternatives to running and did not let the setback discourage him.
Through his remarkable sporting pursuits, Sean happened to cross paths with James Willers, a 17-year-old boy from Randburg, who, due to neglect and severe burns, lost his right leg and subsequently contracted meningitis which resulted in the complete loss of his hearing.
Pictured above: Sean and James (pictured wearing his swimming medals), have a special friendship. (Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean’s Epic challenge
Moved by James’ determination and perseverance, Sean has decided to take on a new challenge and is driving a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy,
Aiming to raise R200 000 to purchase a top-of-the-range prosthetic, and prosthetic liners, Sean hopes to alleviate the financial burden James’ adoptive parents are facing, and give James the opportunity to lead the fulfilling life he deserves.
“I am establishing an extreme aquabike/biathlon challenge in South Africa whereby I will be cycling solo from Johannesburg to Cape Town (1520 km) in 8 consecutive days, covering a distance of around 200km a day.”
“After a 24-hour recovery, I will then swim from Robben Island to Big Bay which is 7.5km as the crow flies. This will be done to not only bring about disability awareness and showcase how differently abled individuals can achieve exceptional feats but also to raise money for a very special individual.” – says Sean.
Sean’s upcoming challenge, which is set to begin on 6 October 2023, has already garnered support from around the world, raising R16 877.87, thanks to the generosity of 42 donors.
Pictured above: Sean Clarke training hard for his Robben Island/Big Bay swim. (Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean says James embodies the type of individual we should all strive to be.
“He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that we can all learn from such as perseverance, resilience, adaptability and flexibility. Firstly, living with his disability can be challenging at times however, he has shown incredible perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. He has constantly adapted to his environment to overcome obstacles. He has shown incredible flexibility and highlighted the importance of finding new and innovative solutions to his challenges. He has taught me to appreciate the diversity and richness of human experience and that a physical disability is just one aspect of a persons identity and that every individual has the ability to make meaningful contributions to this world.” – says Sean
Pictured above: Sean Clarke and James William Thusi WIllers. ( Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean is on track to make a significant difference in James’ life, proving that disabilities should never be barriers to success.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R400 Million.
In 2016, Nika Du Toit (36), Acting Deputy Principal at Hope School in Westcliff, Johannesburg, met Katlego Legotlo (22), a charming student with a beaming smile, who had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at only 6 months old.
Despite his challenges, Katlego was a dedicated student who achieved 3 distinctions in his matric year, which was during the first year of Covid. Nika says that Katlego’s gentle spirit and positive attitude had a profound impact on her life, and that his laughter lingered on when he eventually left the school.
“Katlego is a wonderful young man who has inspired me to live a better, more grateful life, since the moment I met him. He always smiles no matter how hard life gets. Who am I then to not smile and be grateful as well.” – says Nika
Nika and Katlego promised to stay in contact, and they bumped into each other at the Linden Market in early March 2023. Nika noticed that Katlego’s faithful manual wheelchair, which he used for years, was worn out and needed to be replaced.
Just before Katlego’s wheelchair broke, Nika launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to surprise him with an electric wheelchair that would transform his life and give him the freedom of movement he deserved.
Thirty donors responded to the BackaBuddy plea, contributing over R54,000 to help purchase Katlego’s new chair. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming, and Nika was grateful to everyone who contributed.
On Thursday, 13 April 2023, Nika had a surprise for Katlego. She came up with a ruse to get him to visit and told him to close his eyes. When he opened them, he saw the Quickie Q50 R, the electric wheelchair that would change his life forever.
Katlego was beaming with excitement, and his reaction, captured on video, showing his gratitude and joy is difficult to put into words.
“If there is anyone that deserves this, it’s this precious soul. A person who always smiles regardless of his setbacks, he brings joy to all around him. It warms my heart to help people and make their lives a little easier. I can’t thank the donors enough for their unbelievable generosity,” says Nika.
If any additional funds are raised, they will be used to purchase Katlego a specialized car seat.
Katlego’s story is a reminder that a little kindness can go a long way and that we can all make a difference in someone’s life.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R400 Million.
Pictured above: Marissa has been riding horses for the last 14-years.
Marissa Barnard (30), a stable manager from Donkerhoek, Pretoria, suffered a devastating kick to the face while lunging a horse at her workplace, The Burgh Equestrian Estate, on 30 November 2020.
The accident left her with serious injuries to her upper jaw, nose, and sinuses, causing her severe pain and difficulty breathing.
Pictured above: Marissa Barnard after the accident
Without medical aid, Marissa initially received emergency treatment at a state hospital, but was in desperate need of specialised treatment, as the shattered bones in her face have healed in the wrong position, causing chronic sinusitis and leaving her in constant agony.
Needing R50 000 to undergo a procedure at The Nose Clinic, which did not include any external cosmetic work, Marissa’s mom, Ansie Barnard, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to the public to support her daughter.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R7000 has been raised with the support of 10 donors. The Burgh Equestrian Estate has also donated R30 000 to Marissa privately to assist her with her medical needs.
Marissa has undergone her operation although she still has outstanding hospital bills.
Pictured above: Marissa Barnard after the accident
Passionate about caring for horses, Marissa returned to work shortly after the accident, and has remained positive, despite her traumatic ordeal.
“This was a freak accident, with a loved competition horse. I don’t hold blame for the horse or the situation, even though the repercussions are still bad. Horses are still absolutely my passion, and seeing riders accomplish their best and overcome obstacles in life are what I am here for. I really hope to get this operation done so I can get back in the saddle and enjoy riding again.” – says Marissa
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R400 Million.
Meiring De Clercq, a 33-year-old sports enthusiast from Nelspruit, had his life changed forever in 2019 when a reckless taxi driver caused him to crash into a stationary truck while training for the Ironman 70.3.
Pictured above: Meiring and his wife, Imogen
The accident left him with a broken back, ribs, sternum, and concussion, and he was later told by doctors that he was paralysed and would never walk again.
Despite the devastating news, Meiring remains a dedicated husband to his wife, Imogen, and father to his daughter, Mireyah, and has a positive outlook on life.
Pictured above: Meiring and Imogen, and their daughter Mireyah.
“The accident taught me that your life can change with the snap of a finger. Do not take any moment for granted because you never know when something can happen that will change your life forever.”
“It also taught me that you must grab every opportunity for adventure, you can choose to fall down in a hole and grieve what happened to you or you can stand up (excuse the pun) and grab every opportunity you can.” – says Meiring
Getting back in the game
Sports have always played a vital role in Meiring’s life, and he represented his school and national teams in various sports, including tennis, athletics, rugby, and golf. While he has been unable to physically participate in golf, his favourite sport, since the accident, he still enjoys going on tours with his friends.
Pictured above: Meiring with his friends on their annual golf tour
Thanks to a specialised wheelchair designed for paraplegics from Germany, Meiring may soon have the chance to play golf again. The electric chair will allow him to stand in a stable position while using his arms and hands to swing his golf clubs freely.
To raise funds for the wheelchair, Meiring’s family and golfing friends have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, which has already raised over R67 000 towards his fundraising target of R725,000.
Meiring is overjoyed at the prospect of being able to play golf again, a sport that has always brought him immense joy.
“Golf was a massive part of my life. With the help of this wheelchair, I will finally be able to participate in golf tours again, and not only cheer from the sidelines. It means that I can once again participate in local and national amateur golf tournaments and possibly one day play in the adaptive US OPEN. It also means that my dad and I can play our favorite sport together again,” – says Meiring
Pictured above: Meiring playing golf before his accident
Meiring’s story is a reminder that life can change in an instant and that we should cherish every moment. It is also a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the love and support of family and friends.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R390 Million.
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Nisha Varghese, a 31-year-old woman with cerebral palsy from East London, is on a mission to make a positive impact on the lives of abandoned babies.
Pictured above: Nisha Varghese
With her 32nd birthday just around the corner (25 March), Nisha has set out to raise funds for Breath of Life, an organization run by Restore Trust in East London that provides a safe and loving home for vulnerable babies who are waiting to be adopted or reunited with their biological families.
As a dedicated volunteer at Breath of Life since 2018, Nisha has witnessed first-hand the importance of this organization’s work. The home provides babies with a stable and warm environment, with House Mom, Abigail, House Dad, Christo, and House Siblings, Milo and Petal.
Nisha believes that every baby deserves a fair start in life, regardless of their circumstances.
“I cherish every moment spent with these little ones, knowing that I’m making a difference in their lives,” she says.
Pictured above: Nisha Varghese
To help provide the necessary care and resources to support these vulnerable babies on their journey towards a brighter future, Nisha has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. The campaign aims to raise R32,000, and since its launch, over R20,000 has already been raised. These funds will go towards providing the home with essential supplies, including 3968 nappies, 7936 wet wipes, 28kgs of formula, 25 bottles of baby body wash, and 10 bottles of baby shampoo used each month.
Join Nisha in her mission to give these vulnerable babies a fighting chance.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R390 Million.
Raise funds for an individual or cause.
Register your non-profit organisation.
Create a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a non-profit organisation.
