The Cows Media Release

thecows2203

15 Aug 2022

Embargo: None

Written by: Dave Macleod

Runners keep fundraiser alive after ultra-runner Sewell sidelined by accident

Durban – When ultra-runner Mike Sewell's bid to run 1800 kilometres from Cape Town to the start of The Comrades marathon ended in a bad accident while he was running the fourth day of his long run, runners from around the country have stepped in to keep his dream of raising a million Rand for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation alive.

Sewell was running on the road between Ladismith and Zoar when the accident happened.

"As it was getting dark a bakkie that was overtaking a truck behind me smashed my left arm and broke my humerus bone," said Sewell.

He was rushed to hospital in George where, despite his determination to get back onto the road, it was confirmed that his dream of running to Pietermaritzburg and then completing The Comrades marathon was over.

"I had done 350 kilometres when the accident happened, so there are still 1450 kilometres to go," said Sewell in a social media post from his hospital in George.

Runners who have been following his run, dubbed the Long Road To Comrades 2.0, were deeply moved by the set-back, and with the help of his support team quickly set a plan in motion to keep the fund-raising effort going.

A Strava account called "Long Road to Comrades v2.1 - R1 million for CHOC" (https://www.strava.com/clubs/LRTC-v2) has been set up to allow individual runners to run kilometres to make up the full distance, and the response from the running community has been overwhelming.

"We have sent out a Herd Alert," said the organisers of The Cows that Sewell was representing in the CHOC fundraiser.

Immediately his social media channels and the WhatsApp group set up for supporters to follow his run were flooded with offers from runners to help.

"I am in!" said supporter Rupert Russell. "I will run a full Comrades 90km before the 28th. It is something that us mere mortals can achieve."

Supporters inspired by Sewell have started organising group runs, walks and family hikes to contribute distance to the Strava group. On the weekend 169 participants registered to join the group.

"Thanks everyone," said a moved Sewell. "This is helping me deal with the disappointment and look for a new light."

"Mike is already a legend to us," added the founder of The Cows Kerrin Bain. "We are so damn proud of you and your amazing team.

"There is nothing we can't do together," she added. "We have got you."

Anyone keen to contribute to Sewell's fundraiser can visit his fundraising account at https://charity.easyreg.co.za/comrades-marathon-2022/mike-sewell/childhood-cancer-foundation-choc. The Strava link is at https://www.strava.com/clubs/LRTC-v2

More information about The Cows can be found at www.thecows.co.za

About The Cows
The Cows were started in 2008 by a group of eight enthusiastic cyclists keen to make a difference and raise funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Cordi van Niekerk was one of the founder members and joined Kerrin and Grant Bain in cycling the 947 Cycle Challenge in memory of their daughter, Jessica, who had recently died from cancer at just 20 months old.

As CHOC had played a significant role in the Bain family's life in the last few weeks of Jessica’s life, specifically with palliative care and emotional support, the decision was to make CHOC the beneficiary of their quest. They decided to don cow suits and succeeded in raising R230 000.

In 2009, the herd gained momentum and grew to 140 energetic cows. Just two years later the herd numbered a staggering 350 cows all riding for a purpose. Armed with the ‘Love Living Life’ slogan and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, the herd has enjoyed much success and acclaim.

Ten later, hundreds of people have participated in events wearing cow suits. The Cows have raised well over R30 million for specific projects implemented by CHOC and The Cows brand is prominent in many sporting events in South Africa. With these funds, CHOC is able to make a difference to the children being treated for cancer throughout South Africa.

One herd; one quest: to make a difference to children with cancer. Love Living Life!

More information can be found at www.thecows.co.za

ENDS