Mpumalanga resident, Robin Lewis, and his wife, Jolandie, will embark on a 10-year 64-country journey spanning three continents to spread global awareness around the importance of stem cell donation.
Pictured above: Robin Lewis and his wife, Jolandie, in hospital following his stem cell transplant in 2018. Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, a genetic DNA repair disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid tumors in the body.
The pair, who will start their Matches on the Map journey from their hometown Nelspruit in August, will be travelling an estimated 110 000 kilometres through Africa, Europe, and Asia in their one-of-a-kind custom-built motorhome affectionately known as “Betsy”. The vehicle is an old fire truck that has been converted to run on “used” cooking oil to be more sustainable and save on diesel costs.
The husband-and-wife duo was inspired to take on this project, following a successful stem cell transplant after Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia – a genetic DNA repair disorder that may lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid cancerous tumors.
The chance of finding a matching donor is like a needle in a haystack given the number of donors registered worldwide, but thankfully Robin went on to have a haploidentical (partially matched) transplant. This was the only matched donor available for Robin in the
world.
Lewis hopes that they can help patients who find themselves in a similar situation. Their objective is to sign up thousands of donors in partnership with the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), as they journey through each continent, starting in Africa.
“If it wasn’t for the stem cell transplant, I would not be here today. Since then, we’ve been plotting ideas of how to raise greater public awareness around stem cell donation, and that’s how ‘Matches on the Map’ was born.”
Picture above: On the right is their one-of-a-kind motorhome, dubbed “Betsy”, that will provide transport and accommodation for the pair on their 3 650-day journey.
The aim is to add diversity not only to the SABMR but registry databases in countries they will be travelling to with the goal of finding matches for patients en route.
Lewis says planning the expedition has taken hundreds of hours of research, looking at routes, locations, border crossings and safety concerns. This while at the same time building Betsy which has taken up the most part of four years.
“After my transplant five years ago, my wife and I started planning the trip with the hope of changing the world. Our plan was very ambitious, and we soon realised that we couldn’t do it alone. As Fanconi Anemia nearly claimed my life, we decided that we would also focus on establishing support groups for patients with this disease as we make our way through various countries, meeting up with families that are affected, and sharing their stories.
“Building the truck has taken us four years and we can’t wait to get on the road with Betsy and officially get the Matches on the Map project underway. We’re very grateful for the SABMR, who will be assisting us with stem cell donor kits, documentation, export and import logistics, marketing efforts and support every step of the way. They’ve been 100% behind us since day one.”
Nadia Chalkley, Head of Donor Recruitment for the SABMR says Matches on the Map will allow access to a broad and much more diverse spectrum of donors.
“Ethnicity plays a huge role in finding donor matches, especially for patients of colour. Currently, only 35% of our donor base is of colour, which is not reflective of the demographic make-up of South Africa. This limits our ability to find matches for patients who are of African or Indian descent.”
“While we are making progress through our in-person community drives across the country and online donor registrations, we need to consistently educate and sign up donors to give all patients a fighting chance. This project will bring us closer to making our donor database more diverse. The more donors we have from various ethnic backgrounds, the greater the chances of a match,” she says.
Lewis explains there is still a lot of work that is required before Betsy takes off on her maiden voyage.
“We still have a way to go before Betsy gets on the road, but we are confident that we will have her completed in time. We have launched a crowdfunding campaign via Backabuddy in collaboration with the SABMR to assist us with ongoing operational costs on the road and to raise additional funds for the Registry’s donor recruitment efforts as stem cell kits and the processing thereof is quite expensive.”
“We want to appeal to corporates and the public to come on board and help us fulfil this dream of making a meaningful change in the lives of patients who require a stem cell transplant. The likelihood of people from certain ethnic backgrounds finding a successful match is a mere 37% compared to patients from European descent whose chances are 72%. As a survivor myself, I know what a harrowing experience it is to have to wait for a donor match when you’re running out of time.”
Since the launch of the crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, over R2000 has been raised towards their fundraising target of R150 000.
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 R430 Million.
Matthew Sledge, a 51-year-old resident of Kensington, Johannesburg, completed an extraordinary challenge at the upcoming Mandela Day Houghton 10km run on July 16th. This year’s event held immense significance as it marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of the revered leader, Nelson Mandela. Driven by his unwavering enthusiasm to support the remarkable work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge aimed to make waves with his unique fundraising efforts.
While some may have perceived a 10km run as routine, Sledge decided to take his participation to an entirely new level. In a bold and daring move, he committed to completing the run dressed in nothing but a speedo.
What’s more, he undertook this endeavor on what was expected to be the coldest day of the year, ensuring that his presence will be an unforgettable spectacle, capturing the attention of onlookers and inspiring them to contribute to the cause.
Pictured above: Matthew Sledge
When asked about the inspiration behind this extraordinary campaign, Sledge expressed his deep admiration for the significance of Mandela Day and the opportunity it presents to raise funds. He revealed that the idea to don a speedo came from his partner, Belinda, who challenged him to make his participation even more memorable.
In a generous gesture, Hollard, the provider of the speedo, pledged R10,000 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation in recognition of Sledge’s courageous participation.
To lend purpose to his frosty adventure and support the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. He called on individuals to sponsor his run and make donations to the Foundation.
“My passion for Mandela Day stems from honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy and my desire to make a difference in someone else’s life,” said Matthew.
Pictured above: Matthew Sledge
Highlighting his choice to support the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to education as a fundamental pillar.
Quoting Mandela, he stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Sledge hoped that the funds raised will contribute to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to educate and empower others.
Since the launch of his campaign, Matthew has raised over R32 000 towards his fundraising target of R50 000.
Supporters can still contribute to Sledge’s campaign by visiting the BackaBuddy website or by using Snapscan for donations. Additionally, Sledge extended an invitation to fellow runners to join him in supporting the Nelson Mandela Foundation by registering for the Mandela Day Houghton Run through the official website.
As the Mandela Day Houghton 10km run drew near, all eyes were on Matthew Sledge as he fearlessly took on the challenge in his speedo, fueled by his determination to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
An update message from Matthew:
Happy Mandela Day and a heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderfully generous people – you know who you are – who supported my fundraiser and helped me raise R32,000 for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
You’ll be happy to hear I completed my 10km run as promised, wearing nothing but my Hollard Daredevil Run purple speedo, in a respectable 50 minutes, spurred on by the fantastic race day atmosphere.
It was a very special event and in spite of the chilly winter air there was a real buzz on the start line and all the way along the route.
Thank you to the Mandela Foundation for a fun day, to Vida e Cafe who sponsored my coffee at the finish line and a big shout out to Hollard who generously donated R10,000 to CANSA and The Prostate Cancer Foundation in my name.
For more information or to support Matthew Sledge’s campaign, please visit:
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 R420 Million.
Larry Nyoni, a dedicated father hailing from Yeoville, Johannesburg, and working as a barrister for the Just Darling coffee van, has emerged as a true hero after demonstrating exceptional courage in the face of a life-threatening situation at Marist Brothers Linmeyer.
It was a fateful day on Friday, the 23rd June, the last day before the midterm break, when Larry found himself at the center of a heart-stopping incident in the school parking lot. A driver suddenly suffered a seizure while driving, causing their car to collide with another vehicle.
The situation quickly escalated, and the driver was in dire need of immediate medical attention. In a state of panic, Larry swiftly contacted the school’s medical officer, who urged him to seek help as the drivers’ condition deteriorated rapidly, turning blue before his eyes. Faced with a race against time, Larry took matters into his own hands.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Larry sprang into action, fully comprehending the gravity of the situation. In a split second that would forever change lives, he made a bold decision. Displaying unwavering courage, Larry punched and shattered the car window when no other tools at his disposal granted him access to the distressed driver. This selfless act enabled the school’s medical officer to provide the crucial and urgent medical attention required to save a life. Larry’s bravery not only averted a potential tragedy but also showcased his unwavering commitment to helping others during times of crisis.
However, Larry’s act of heroism did not come without personal cost. While he bravely saved a life, he sustained severe injuries to his arm, necessitating multiple stitches. Thankfully, the school ensured that he received medical attention for his wounds.
Despite the pain and sacrifices he endured, Larry remains resolute in his belief that no obstacle should hinder his determination to assist those in need. His unwavering conviction to extend a helping hand is truly admirable.
Larry Nyoni, Barista Turned Hero.
Larry’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary compassion that permeates our community. It epitomizes the true spirit of heroism, inspiring us all to embrace kindness, empathy, and the willingness to lend support. Today, we invite you to join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Larry for his incredible bravery and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Recognizing Larry’s selfless act, Renay Tandy, a fellow parent from the school and co-founder of Ngage, was profoundly moved when news of Larry’s actions began to spread throughout the school. Without hesitation, she sprang into action herself, launching a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to reward Larry’s heroics.
The campaign, which serves as a token of appreciation and means to provide Larry with much-needed support, has since raised over R7000, towards the fundraising target of R15,000. Funds will also be used to provide clothes and other essentials for his two boys, Ethan (6) and Jayden (6 months), who undoubtedly take immense pride in their extraordinary father.
Let us come together as a community to show our appreciation and gratitude to Larry for his exceptional kindness and heroic deed.
Through our support, we can make a difference in the life of a true hero who reminds us all of the incredible power of compassion and selflessness.
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The Durban beaches are open and keen swimmers are getting ready for the epic Oceans 8 Charity Swim in support of local charities! Taking place on Friday, 16 and Saturday, 17 June 2023 at the Durban Undersea Club, Oceans 8 Charity Swim consists of a 1 Mile and 8 Mile ocean swim with swimmers of all ages excited to take to the water.
“We are excited to announce that everything is on track for what looks to be a fantastic Oceans 8 Charity Swim, and with so many NPOs in need of assistance, we’re encouraging as many people to enter this year as possible!” said Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss.
“We already have 95 x 8 Mile swimmers and 58 x 1 Mile swimmers registered, raising an amazing R666 224 for charity so far, with our youngest competitor coming in at 11 years and our oldest at 76 years. This really is a race for everyone to do something worthwhile for our deserving NPOs.”
Dundee-born Trevor Lauf might be coming in as the oldest competitor to be swimming 8 miles, but he’s coming in with a wealth of competitive experience, having competed in several marathons, including the Comrades, as well as several triathlons, winning his age group in the SA Champs.
Having spent 18 years in the retail industry before moving to the medical industry in Gauteng, Lauf has been happily retired in Prestondale, uMhlanga for the past six years, taking advantage of the outdoor KZN lifestyle on offer.
“Swimming is now my first love, and I swim with the DUC [Durban Undersea Club] with a great group of people about three or four times a week,” explained the avid swimmer and surfski paddler. “We often swim about 10km in the ocean, so I’m ready for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Bring it on!”
Also competing on the day is Transkei-born Athini Mbena, who says he’s excited to be swimming with ‘world-class swimmers from the Durban Undersea Club’:
“I’m from Lusikisiki and grew up swimming in dams and rivers. We used to go, once a year, to the beach at the Wild Coast. I learned freestyle swimming two years ago at the age of 30 and absolutely love swimming! it’s a great honour for me to be part of this event, I’m really excited for the charities we’re raising funds for so they can continue to do their good work.”
Oceans 8 Charity Swim was started by five charities – Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza, and WILDTRUST – to provide a reliable and sustainable flow of funding to 14 deserving non-profit organisations in and around KwaZulu-Natal. All funds generated through the 8 Mile Swim will support the work of these five main charities.
In addition to this, funds generated by the 1 Mile swim will assist a further 9 invitational charities, namely:
Entries are still open for anyone wanting to enter the 1 Mile swim in this first-of-its-kind, warm water ocean challenge exclusively for charity. Entry for the 1 Mile is R150, with participants required to either raise R850 for charity or make the full donation themselves. Every cent of this fundraising goes to the nine invitational charities!
Swimmers only need to enter their age category even if they are competing for their age-group medal. Non-competitive swimmers are welcome to choose any of the 8 events over the 2 days to participate. In an effort to minimise plastic use, Quench fresh spring water will be available on tap and Discovery are donating a reusable water bottle to every competitor.
Supporters are also encouraged to come out and cheer on these determined competitors as they brave the (almost) chilly Durban waters for a good cause. Renowned local MC Danny Guselli will keep everyone updated with commentary at the event, and the little ones will enjoy meeting The Sharks mascot, Sharkie, as well as uShaka Marine World’s ocean warriors; Phila the Penguin, Siva the Seal, Raggy the Shark and Delia the Dolphin.
Oceans 8 Charity Swim Event Details
Friday, 16 June
Event 1: 7am – Start of 8 Mile and race for 71 and over, and disabled
Event 2: 8.15am – Race for 61 to 70 years
Event 3: 9.30am – Race for 51 to 60 years
Event 4: 10.45am – Race for 41 to 50 years
Saturday, 17 June
Event 5: 7am – Race for 31 to 40 years
Event 6: 8.15am – Race for 21 to 30 years
Event 7: 9.30am – Race for 15 to 20 years and inter-school boys
Event 8: 10.45am – Race for U14 and inter-school girls
Registration for both days: 5am to 6am
Race briefing on both days: 6.30am
Event organisers thanked main sponsors Discovery, Mr Price Sport and Pick ‘n Pay. Thanks are also extended to SAPPI, ShipTech, Adviceworx GFP Financial Planning, Aheers Multisave, Overstone Cottages, Afcon Industrial Equipment, Electrical Projects, and LED Urban for making the event possible.
To enter the Oceans 8 Charity Swim, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za.
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.’
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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 R420 Million.
Pictured above: Robin Lewis and his wife, Jolandie, in hospital following his stem cell transplant in 2018. Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, a genetic DNA repair disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid tumors in the body.
Picture above: On the right is their one-of-a-kind motorhome, dubbed “Betsy”, that will provide transport and accommodation for the pair on their 3 650-day journey.
