Glenhills resident runs the extra mile for change

SIXTEEN years ago, Glenhills resident, Stuart Armit, began helping Sinakekele Children, a transition home based in Verulam that cares for abandoned and orphaned babies. It is a journey that has seen him raise awareness for the home and help out wherever he could.

He has also formed a close bond to the founder of the home, Ruth Grobler and four of her adopted children, Simon, Jake, Mary and Siya, who he still keeps in touch with all these years later.

Armit now plans on raising R1 million for the home under his #MilesforaMillion campaign by taking on Karkloof 50 Miler this year in under 18 hours

The local resident has already raised more than R80 000 but is spreading the word and doing a number of trail runs this year to push that figure higher.

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“There are so many little connections in this story. It all started with a Northglen News article on Sinakekele, when they were based on Conyngham Road. I read the home was in need of volunteers. A few days later I showed up at the home and told Ruth I was eager to help where I could. That was 16 years ago and through my journey I’ve formed a close bond with some of Ruth’s adopted children,” he explained.

“The idea of fundraising for the home by doing trail running events started with my wife, Sarah. It was a Parkrun a few years ago and she told me if I managed to finish the five kilometre race in under 30 minutes, she would match whatever amount I managed to raise. I finished the run in 27 minutes, a time I’m yet to match or better. So after doing a few trail runs around the province, I then heard about the Karkloof 50 Miler which would be the ultimate test for me. I’m just a normal bloke, I’m not really an athlete to be honest. I entered the race while eating a slice of cake,” he said.

While Armit admits his training for the upcoming event hasn’t been the best, he added his motivation was doing what he could to help out the home.

“Through my fundraising initiative I wanted to help the home with its fencing needs to prevent land invasions. We’d also like to get the home solar powered to relieve the pressure of the rising costs of utilities and general running costs are the main and immediate needs. For me all the motivation I need is in thinking about what the home does. The home takes babies from the most horrific of circumstances and gives them a chance at a future, either by adoption, fostering or reunification with family where possible,” he said.

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Armit has urged the North Durban community to support his journey. He has already set-up a Go Get Funding page and an Instagram account (@milesforamillion) to chart his journey and the events he is doing to raise funds for the home.

If you would like to support him, visit his Go Get Funding page to donate.

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