In the 2022 Comrades Marathon, Dr Johan Meyer will be at the forefront among those who will be hitting the roads – with one exception, he will be doing it for a charitable cause.
Being his first Comrades Marathon, he will be doing it in memory of his father who also ran in the marathon, while also raising funds for Place of Purpose (POP).
POP is a non-profit institution with the mission of improving the lives of young people (16 and older) who are intellectually and academically challenged by offering a secure and supportive learning environment.
In an interview, Dr Meyer, co-founder of POP, reiterated that he is doing the marathon in memory of his ‘incredible’ father who ran nine Comrades Marathons.
He said it is his dream to complete his 10th for him as he was able to arrange to run in his late father’s number 1190.
Noble cause
According to Meyer, the New Market-based POP is a facility where young adults with intellectual disabilities are coached, educated and developed.
He told the Alberton Record he has a passion to see young people with intellectual barriers belong and have a purpose.
“My niece is at Place of Purpose and before joining there, she was often ostracized and excluded. She also didn’t have a purpose and merely existed. POP gave a sense of belonging and purpose to their daily activities. My niece has endured suffering and so was my father before passing away from cancer,” he said.
Long hours of training went towards his preparation for the marathon. He trained extremely hard since the beginning of the year, doing more than 2 800km, without any major injuries.
“I managed to get an A seeding, enabling me to start in the front with two hours and 46 minutes marathon time. I am hoping to complete the race in under seven hours and 30 minutes, but whether I do or do not, I feel extremely fortunate being able to run for a purpose carrying my dad and niece in my heart,” Meyer said.
‘A heart for the disabled’
“Place of Purpose stands with great gratitude towards Dr Meyer for being our ambassador to raise funds for us.
Meyer has a heart for the disabled and will always go the extra mile to assist. He does amazing voluntary work for Place of Purpose,” said Gwen McKechnie, director of POP.
She said as an institution they are raising funds for a specific goal.
They are hoping to establish a residential facility for the intellectually disabled when their parents are no longer there to care for them.
“We are trusting that the residential facility will be a facility where students can apply the daily living activities they get taught in the Place of Purpose college to grant them the independence and dignity every person wants to live with. We have set out a timeline of seven years to establish the residence,” McKechnie said.
She said they are hoping that the funds raised with Dr Meyer’s givengain campaign will be enough to pay for a deposit for a golf day they planned for October 25.
Should you wish to donate to the campaign, contact Meyer on 083 361 1806.
