Incredible Story of Ubuntu Behind Amputee Who Wouldn’t Let Cancer Stop Him Running
While most of us have every excuse in the book for why we can’t take a jog… let alone compete in a marathon… here’s a man who wouldn’t let any excuse stop him from competing in yesterday’s 42.2km annual Wally Hayward marathon in Gauteng. And it’s thanks to his incredible spirit… and the amazing kindness of a stranger […]
While most of us have every excuse in the book for why we can’t take a jog… let alone compete in a marathon… here’s a man who wouldn’t let any excuse stop him from competing in yesterday’s 42.2km annual Wally Hayward marathon in Gauteng. And it’s thanks to his incredible spirit… and the amazing kindness of a stranger who’s now his friend and boss!
Even though Xolani Luvuni (32) lost his leg to cancer about seven years ago, and is on crutches, he ran yesterday with strength and determination… and a special human being supporting and encouraging him all the way.
Well known Social Cohesion advocate, Yusuf Abramjee, tweeted photos and the video on Monday, saying: “I’ve just spotted this runner in Centurion running 42km in @TheWallyHayward – he has bone marrow cancer. I salute his courage & will power.”
A couple of hours later somebody else tweeted: “Just spotted him in Doornkloof. He is still going. #respect. He is an example to us all.”
Today, Tuesday, Abramjee was excited to report that Xolani successfully completed the 42km Wally Hayward Race yesterday!
In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Yusuf Abramjee revealed: “The man running with him was Hein Venter.”
The story he then told is a wonderful example of uBuntu, of fellowship, of humanity… of a true South African gentleman…
“Hein tells me he picked up Xolani near a bridge in Irene about a year ago. He was homeless and addicted to Nyope.
“Hein got him off drugs and gave him a job at his perfume company… and finally got him into running. Xolani lost his leg some 7/8 years ago because of bone marrow cancer.
“And Xolani completed the 42km yesterday. What an inspiring story!”
Here is the story amputee Xolani Luvunu (32) who ran 42km yesterday in @TheWallyHayward -& well done to Hein Venter also. Respect!! pic.twitter.com/uszgCPcNaq
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 2, 2017
Watch amputee Xolani Luvunu and his greatest supporter, Hein Venter, running The Wally Howard
UPDATE