Run raises awareness for organ donation
ROSEBANK – Community members are encouraged to join the event which aims to raise awareness concerning organ donation.
The Nathan Bewsher Memorial Run/Walk aims to raise awareness around organ donation on March 13.
The run, organised by Pirates Road Running Club, remembers 13-year-old Nathan Bewsher who died tragically from a severe head injury after tripping and falling during a walk on June 11, 2020.
Nathan was rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma on life support for six days. When it became apparent that he would never wake up, his family took the decision to donate his organs, saving the lives of four people.
Chairperson of Pirates Road Running Gerry Greyling said, “We would like the annual Nathan Run to become synonymous with organ donation awareness, to highlight that people need to tell their families and register to become organ donors.
“The event is a celebration of Nathan’s life and the difference he made in other people’s lives through organ donation.”
He said the Bewshers have been part of the Pirates family for many years. They approached the club to help organise the event after experiencing first-hand how dire the organ donation situation was in South Africa and how being an organ donor could change people’s lives.
The 5km heart-shaped route starts and ends at the ‘Be Kind’ sign on Oxford Street, Rosebank.
Participants can either begin the route at 07:00 or 07:30. A longer 13km route option for running enthusiasts, starting at Pirates Club at 06:30, will journey to the ‘Be Kind’ sign and back to the club.
Last year, the event raised in excess of R100 000 through donations and entries.
“We hope to make this an annual event and to match or even exceed that number through entries, donations, T-shirt and bracelet sales.”
This year’s event honours what would have been Nathan’s 15th birthday. Family will gather after the event at the club to celebrate Nathan’s birthday. Participants are encouraged to sign up to the Organ Donor Foundation at the club following the event.
Organisers request a minimum donation of R100 per participant.
Details: To enter, visit https://entrytickets.net/nathan
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