Cape Town - From the slopes of Devil’s Peak to the great rocks of Lion’s Head, Stefan van Neel plans to raise funds that will help sustain the Eikehof Care Home in Athlone.
Taking the spirit of charity to greater heights, former goalkeeper Van Neel plans on tackling three mountain peaks in under five hours.
“The initial idea of peaking for charity was sparked by the passing of family members who had succumbed to cancer during the start of lockdown within the space of a few weeks, which happened to be during March, Cancer Awareness Month. I became aware of the suffering that they went through and it was an eye-opener. Also, having a relative who is a recent cancer survivor at the age of 78 sparked my drive even more.
“With this campaign, we will be able to assist the home, who are providing a home away from home for the cancer patients who stay too far from the clinic that provides treatment,” said Van Neel.
Gavin Kester, who is the Cansa services specialist managing the care home, mentioned that given that the home serves patients from as far as the Klein Karoo region, Covid-19 had a big role to play in having enough resources for the patients.
“The care home provides patients who are undergoing cancer treatment a home-from-home accommodation because oncology clinics are far from their homes. Patients from the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Cape, as well as the Klein Karoo region come to the centre, and having to face additional challenges greatly affects the home.
“Funding for food, care and bedding as well as maintenance of our care homes is a large ongoing expenditure. We serve underprivileged community members affected by cancer and have to raise funds through other sources. This has in turn been greatly affected by Covid-19 for the past two years. Despite this, cancer is still continuing and more and more patients still need lifesaving treatment away from their homes,” said Kester.
From care packs to breakfast essentials, Van Neel added that the need to help people has never been greater after the pandemic, and he plans to do this through his peaking-for-purpose campaign as he takes on mountains around the peninsula for the greater good.
“I have always wanted to assist those in need. However, I was unable to do this as I had personal challenges which I had to overcome.
“My passion for trail running developed during the tough time of Covid-19, and going forward I will combine my two passions to assist charities in need,” said Van Neel.
Weekend Argus