Carel’s latest challenge wasn’t just about physical fitness — it was about healing and giving thanks for the “second chance” he felt he’d received. In 2024, a devastating firestorm in Jamestown left him with a broken back and pelvis, forcing him to face the terrifying possibility of permanent immobility. For months, he had to learn how to walk again. Even walking 100 meters with crutches felt like a small victory.
During this time, the support from their community carried them through.
Marié recalls, “We were blown away… My children came home every day with a Woolies bag full of food. People took time to come visit, to speak with Carel. It reminded us how important it is not to live in your own bubble,” she said.
But slowly, day by day, strength returned.
“That’s when I realized — I think I’m getting stronger and better now… it felt so good just to be able to move again and have that freedom again,” Carel shared. With his mobility restored, he set his sights on something few have ever completed — the Extreme Triathlon.
Only around 15 people have ever achieved it. It involves three grueling events: running the Comrades Marathon, cycling the 2130km Freedom Challenge, and rowing the 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon — back-to-back. Carel had attempted it before in 2023, but this time was different.
“I realized that I have the ability and the mobility… I’ll be doing it out of gratefulness and just, you know, being in that position where you would be deprived of things — just to realise again how grateful you should be for the blessings you have,” Carel shared.
Carel, running the Comrades Marathon
The Meeting That Changed Everything
While Carel was taking on the Extreme Triathlon, Marié and Carel started thinking about how they could give back, inspired by his renewed ability to move and live fully. It was during the Freedom Challenge — that the Bothas reached out to find someone who needed help. Through a neighbour in Jamestown, they were introduced to Lizzie and her son, Requelmy, an 18-year-old who had been paralyzed since birth and had lived for years without a proper wheelchair.
Carel and family, after completing The Freedom Challenge
Moved by his story, Carel decided to dedicate the remainder of Carel’s epic journey to raising funds for a custom wheelchair for him.
Carel, having recently regained his own mobility, felt an immediate and deep connection to Requelmy’s struggle.
“It brought tears to his eyes… it was so sad for him that an 18-year-old guy is stuck in the situation where he has to wait years for a wheelchair,” Marié said. “He knows how it feels to not be able to move freely the way you want to… it was a perfect match.”
Powered by Gratitude, Fueled by Community
The couple launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 24 June 2025 with the goal of raising R18,000 to buy Requelmy a custom wheelchair. In the weeks that followed, 35 donors — a mix of family, friends, and generous strangers — helped them exceed their goal, raising R22,250.
The journey to that victory was not easy.
“My arms really started paining… I thought, I’m not gonna make it. I won’t be able to use my arms any further… it was a tough, dark time,” Carel remembers from the Berg River Canoe Marathon. “I had a little prayer when things were really hard… and moments after that, it seemed like things just became easier.”
Carel, after finishing the Berg River Canoe Marathon
Paying It Forward
Requelmy’s wheelchair has now been ordered — a life-changing gift, made possible by Carel’s endurance and the generosity of the community. But the Bothas aren’t stopping there. With an extra R3,000 still available, they’ve reopened the campaign to find their next mobility buddy who needs a wheelchair.
“We know it’s not us. We’re overwhelmed with the feedback… it’s just amazing what happened. It’s quite awesome,” Marié said.
They’ve already reconnected with their community to identify their next mobility buddy. Their hope? That this ripple of kindness continues — one wheelchair at a time.
“To everybody that donated — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You enabled this change for the Mobility Buddy. It’s just phenomenal.”
Carel’s story reminds us that even the most difficult moments can be turned into purpose. Through sheer grit, heartfelt gratitude, and the power of community, he turned his own trial into someone else’s triumph — and he’s just getting started.
Please consider sharing this story — because every share, every donation, and every kind word helps move someone closer to freedom, independence, and hope.
Crowdfunding with BackaBuddy empowers you to raise funds for any cause by harnessing the power of community support. Whether it’s medical expenses, memorials, adventures, or more, our platform helps you create impactful campaigns. Donations are purely out of generosity, allowing everyone to be part of the solution and drive positive change.
How It Works
Creating a fundraiser on BackaBuddy is simple and free. Set up your campaign, share it with your network, and start receiving donations. There are no time limits or penalties, and you can continue receiving funds even after reaching your target. We vet every campaign to ensure integrity, and for added security to our donors, funds can be paid directly to vendors. Payouts are processed within 10 business days.
Why BackaBuddy?
BackaBuddy offers a fast, legitimate way to raise funds without upfront fees. It’s an alternative to traditional funding, reaching beyond your immediate network. With no repayment clauses, donations go directly to those in need. Donors love the sense of community and belonging.
Watch the video below for more information:
Contact us if you need further assistance:BackaBuddy
Getting your crowdfunding campaign noticed by the media can boost visibility and bring in more donations. By connecting with various outlets, you can expand your audience and improve your campaign’s chances of success.
Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively share your campaign with the media.
Tips for Sharing Your Campaign with the Media
Tell an Interesting Story: Highlight what makes your campaign unique. Media outlets prefer stories that are impactful and relatable. Keep it brief—no longer than a page.
Create a Press Kit: Include a press release, good-quality photos with captions, and a link to your campaign page to make it easy for journalists.
Choose the Right Media Outlets: Focus on local outlets first—they’re more likely to cover community stories. If your campaign has broader appeal, reach out to national or international media. Tailor your approach to what their audience would be interested in.
Reach Out to Local Media: Once your campaign has 10-20 donations and is gaining momentum, contact local blogs, newspapers, radio, and TV stations. A third-person press release with quotes and visuals works best.
Find Media Contacts: Use resources like The South African Government Media Directory (linked below), check the “Contact Us” section of publications, or reach out to journalists on social media.
Personalize Your Pitch: Customize your email for each media contact, explaining why their audience would be interested in your campaign. Avoid bulk emails.
Use Free Tools: Platforms like MyPR and PressPortal are great for free press release distribution and can help you reach a wider audience.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can make a difference.
Media Contact List
The government has put together a list of key South African media outlets, categorised for your convenience. Use this list to reach out to the right platforms that can help amplify your campaign:
Liam Coetzee a 18-year-old matric student at Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town, is embarking on a journey from the local rugby fields in South Africa to the international stages in Ireland where he will not only shine bright for his skills but also for his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
Pictured above: 18-year-old aspiring rugby player Liam Coetzee
“Liam has a good sense of humour and is a great leader. He is very self motivated and determined and once he has set his mind to do something he doesn’t give up. He inspires his peers and is always pushing hard for the next goal.” says Liam’s proud mum Gail.
Born and raised in the heart of South Africa, Liam’s love for rugby ignited when he was just 6-years-old while watching rugby with his dad who is a big fan of the sport. From the moment he first held a rugby ball in primary school, he knew that this sport would be his calling. Over the years, his dedication and determination transformed him into a formidable player, earning him recognition both on and off the field.
At Fish Hoek High School, Liam’s leadership qualities were evident as he was elected head student and appointed captain of the u19 1st team rugby in 2024. His peers and coaches alike admired his unwavering work ethic, persistence, and self-motivation, traits that not only propelled his own performance but also inspired those around him.
Pictured above: Liam with his rugby squad
“Rugby is a true source of happiness where I can develop physically and mentally. It’s an escape from the stress of school and life in general all while being a part of a brotherhood that plays for something bigger than any one player. A career in rugby would be incredible, I’m planning on studying engineering next year but would love to keep playing and maybe go pro.” says Liam
In addition to his achievements in rugby, Liam excelled academically, earning full colours for school academics and the prestigious Springbok Scout award. His ability to balance sporting excellence with academic success speaks volumes about his character and determination to excel in all aspects of life.
Pictured above: Liam with his sister Josie
But Liam’s journey doesn’t stop at the school gates or within the local league. His talent and hard work have caught the attention of scouts beyond South Africa’s borders. Currently, he is attending trials for the Western Province (WP) u19 provincial side, aiming to represent his province at the highest level.
However, the pinnacle of Liam’s rugby journey lies in an opportunity that transcends borders and continents—the Rhino Rugby Touring side. Selected to be a part of this elite squad, Liam will be travelling to Ireland this September to compete alongside international teams, train with top youth players and coaches, and immerse himself in the rich history of rugby.
“This opportunity truly means the world to me, it’s the result of years of passion and belief. Not only from me but from my family, teammates and community. It’s an opportunity to see the sport I love from a whole new perspective.” Liam tells us.
Pictured above: Liam with the Fish Hoek u19 A first team
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not just about playing the game; it’s about experiencing the camaraderie of international competition, learning from the best in the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For Liam, it’s a dream come true, a chance to represent his country on foreign soil and showcase his talent on a global stage.
However, realising this dream comes with its challenges. The financial burden of such a trip is significant, especially on short notice. Which is why Liam and his family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already managed to raise over R27 000 of their R50 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors.
“I am incredibly grateful for each donation and honestly overwhelmed by the timely support I’ve received. A massive thanks to all for believing in me, your generosity is inspiring and I promise to make the most of it.” says Liam.
Over time, runners have recognized the potential of sports events as more than just a race—they’re also a powerful opportunity to rally support and raise funds through crowdfunding. Harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of participants, these events become a vibrant hub for both athletic achievement and philanthropy, showcasing the transformative impact of collective action.
If you have not yet pledged to support your favourite charity or bought your tickets for the event, have a read through our article below.
Here to guide you in raising funds at your local event, the BackaBuddy team has put together our best advice on how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign!
How to enter your chosen event
Before you begin your crowdfunding journey on BackaBuddy, make sure you have entered for the event on their website.
Launch your crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Once you have registered, it’s time to create your crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for your chosen charity.
A key thread in all successful crowdfunding campaigns is a well-written, emotive, and informative story that connects with potential supporters of your campaign.
For inspiration on how to tell your story, Meet Zanele.
Zanele Hlatshwayo from Soweto, told a powerful, personal story. when raising funds for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in honour of her late father.
When writing your campaign story, be sure to answer the following questions:
Who are you and where are you from?
Which organisation are you fundraising for and what do they do? Do you have a personal connection to the charity you have chosen?
Your campaign message should highlight the importance of your cause and why others should support it. If the charity you have chosen has success stories or interesting facts to share with you, this will also help you tell your story. Connect with your charity and find out as much information about them as you can.
How much would you like to raise and how will these funds be used in a tangible way to benefit your charity and the work they do?
Take a look at these examples on how to write a tangible campaign ‘ask’.
For example, I am taking part in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2024 to…
Raise R10 000 to purchase 100 school shoes for children in need at Afrika Tikkun.
Raise R100 000 to help Hillwood Primary School in refurbishing 1 classroom.
Reach my crowdfunding target of R20 000 to support Dignity Dreams in purchasing sanitary items for young girls so that they don’t miss out on an education.
Focus on the positive impact of donations
Presenting your campaign in a positive way can make a big difference. Focus on the positive impact the funds raised will have and the impact of your awareness campaign.
According to the 2018 Trends in Global Giving Report, by Non-Profit Tech For Good, 91% of donors are motivated to donate to causes when they feel positive emotions such as hope and empathy and only 9% respond to negative emotions such as fear and sadness.
For those who don’t like reading, put together a short campaign video!
Campaigns with video content tend to raise 4 times more funds, and are shared 7 times more on social media, as they are more personal and emotive!
Shoot a video on your phone
For a crowdfunding campaign, you don’t need professional lighting, equipment or editing skills to convey a powerful message.
We recommend shooting a short, personal and informal message on your cellphone that can be posted on social media as well as on your crowdfunding campaign.
Make sure you are presentable and wearing comfortable clothes (try to avoid clothes with busy designs or a lot of text).
Choose a clearbackdrop or tidy background to shoot your video.
Try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
Let viewers know where they can make a donation to your campaign and include your crowdfunding campaign link in every post you share.
When choosing your crowdfunding image, choose an inviting and friendly image of yourself. If you have a photo of yourself in running gear, this will show your potential donors that you mean business and are already training to make them proud!
Set your target based on your network and available time
When setting your fundraising target, it’s important to consider:
Just like no one likes to be the first person on the dance floor, donors typically support crowdfunding once a campaign has a few initial donations.
Through data research, we found that campaigns with initial support from family and friends specifically, tend to raise 220% more funds.
How to share your campaign with close family and friends:
When looking for your first donations, we recommend sending a personal, instant message on WhatsApp, Facebook message, email or SMS to close family and friends, extended family, neighbours, co-workers.
An example of a message you could send:
“Hi Monique, I hope you are well!
I am taking part in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2024 to raise funds to support FoodForwardSA and the wonderful work they do.
With my crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy I hope to raise R10 000 to provide 100 meals to disadvantaged children living in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
If you can, please be so kind as to donate to my campaign and cheer me on during the event.
If you’re unable to contribute, please share my campaign with your friends and loved ones: Here is my campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Once you have your first donations in, we recommend sharing your campaign to a wider audience on Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram.
Depending on your chosen social network, read through our guidelines on how to make the most of social sharing!
Find out if the organisation you are raising funds for is Section 18A certified as a tax break is a great incentive to encourage donations in larger amounts.
Need more tips? Visit the BackaBuddy Impact Village or reach out to Simbulele from our marketing team for advice at [email protected]Want impact stories and top crowdfunding tips? Sign up for our newsletter and join our community!
