0 of 3
It is not often that youngsters on the cusp of adulthood decide to forgo a big bash for their 18th birthday in favour of a gruelling adventure run.
But this is exactly what 18-year-old Joel Smith has decided to do — and he has chosen to run to help others.
Joel is taking on a 100km run through the Hogsback mountains in aid of the Kings Children’s Home as his 18th birthday fundraiser.
Inspired by his sporty grandmother, Joel says his family had long been involved in volunteering at and assisting the local children’s home, but it was his grandmother’s determination that had motivated him.
My gran, Paula Richardson, is 79 and a living legend. She is well known in local running and cycling circles and is still very active, is a keen cyclist and runs or walks most days
“My gran, Paula Richardson, is 79 and a living legend. She is well known in local running and cycling circles and is still very active, is a keen cyclist and runs or walks most days.
“It is my gran who inspires me,” the Selborne College matric pupil said.
“She and my dad, Martin, both instilled a love for being fit, active and the great outdoors in me, and I could not be more grateful to them.
“My gran recently started volunteering at the Kings Children’s Home in Glen Eden out on the East Coast of East London.
“Normally a 79-year-old granny would go and read to the kids, but not my gran!
“Instead she has taken the kids for plenty of outdoor activities, including a few beach hikes, a picnic or two, a few Park Runs, and is busy nurturing a love for exercise and the outdoors in the children.
“This inspired me to use my love for the outdoors and adventure to help the less fortunate.”
Taking on the Amatola Trail run in mid-October, Joel and his father will run 100km together over two days.
It is called ‘running for running costs’ as the money I raise will go towards the running costs of the safe house that has more than 50 children in their care
“The fundraiser will run for the whole month of October. It is called ‘running for running costs’ as the money I raise will go towards the running costs of the safe house that has more than 50 children in their care,” Joel said.
“Our goal is to raise R20,000 and this will cover one month’s running costs at the home, but the more we raise the more we can help.”
Living in Glen Eden near the Kings Children’s Home, Joel said his mother had been involved with the facility for a few years.
“The couple who runs the home is Jono and Tracy King, and is also our pastoral couple at our local church, Crossways church.
“My mom has done many fundraisers for the Kings in the past, so I thought it is about time for me to do something too,” he said.
“The Kings aim to help the most vulnerable of abandoned and neglected babies and children in our society and they are a real example to us of what authentic sacrificial love looks like.
“The Kings have had such an amazing impact on our community and it has shown me how truly blessed I am.”
Tracy King said Joel’s efforts would be an incredible help to the home.
“Few people are willing to donate towards running costs because you can’t see anything tangible for your donation. But the truth is that sanitation, electricity and petrol are critical for any children’s home to function properly.
“Joel has caught the vision to help us pay these costs and we are so grateful for that.
“He is an incredible, humble young man who has thought of others above himself and dedicated his 18th birthday to make a difference for others. Thank you, Joel!”
- To find out more or support Joel’s “Running for Running Costs” fundraiser, visit his Back a Buddy page at www.backabuddy.co.za. The public can donate a single amount once off or pledge an amount per km.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.