Personal message

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is the ultimate African marathon. Francis has decided to dedicate this marathon to children with cancer and run for The Rainbows and Smiles Foundation. Running for these precious children, where the sea, sun and spirit come together.

This will be Francis’ first official Marathon for a purpose, his first marathon was during the turbulent times of covid, and it was a virtual adventure. In 2021 he did the Cape Town marathon to prove that his body was able to endure the distance. Now this year, 2023 is going to be the year that this iconic marathon is run for a deeper meaning.

Every year in South Africa, almost 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer. Our socio-economic challenges, and generally poor level of awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer, mean that many these children are diagnosed very late into their illness. As a result, they face a difficult battle against their illness, and sadly, for many of our children, treatment just comes too late.

Experts in South Africa estimate that around two-thirds of childhood cancers in our country remain un-reported, which means that closer to 3000 children every year get cancer. Just not all will get a chance to receive treatment.

Rainbows and Smiles is a community-based, charitable foundation dedicated to providing holistic support to children diagnosed with cancer, and their families.

Message from Francis:

“My cold mornings of training will be worth it knowing that the run has a bigger purpose than the elation of finishing a race, it will be about raising awareness and funds for children in treatment for cancer. My pain is not in vain, and my training is so worth it. This gives me the opportunity to push myself and make a difference.

I am grateful for your generosity, your trust, and most importantly your commitment to my mission to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.”

Please support Francis and his mission to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

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