Charity
Cancer Survivor Inspires Community
Having overcome cancer, Gqeberha resident Xylon van Eyck is determined never to take his health for granted, and he encourages others to do the same by staying active and participating in events like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has proudly supported the Cancer Association of South Africa( CANSA) as its official charity since 2024, giving participants the chance to make a meaningful impact by donating online or running to raise funds and amongst its entrants.“ I’ ve been fortunate to participate in the first two Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K races,” says Van Eyck.“ One of them was shortly after completing Ironman South Africa, and I wasn’ t fully recovered, so I felt it in my legs, but the personal best time was worth it! It’ s such a fantastic event. We’ re lucky to have a wealth of running events in the city, and this is definitely one of the biggest. From the start, it set itself apart. The coastal scenery is breathtaking, and the flat course makes it an ideal race for anyone chasing a PB.”
Surprise Diagnosis
Van Eyck was 26 years old when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’ s Lymphoma, and he says it was a total shock to the system.“ I kept getting sick every month, with flu, bronchitis and other illnesses, but I never connected the dots. It was only when my GP sent me for an ultrasound, initially looking for an ulcer in my stomach, that they discovered multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Shortly after that, I received the diagnosis.”
“ This is also a milestone year for CANSA as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our CANSA Active brand, which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle to lower cancer risk, she continues.“ We invite runners to join as CANSA Active Champions and raise additional funds through the online platform GivenGain. This year will be bigger and better – a true celebration of a partnership we deeply value with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, its sponsors, and all supporting partners.”
As such, Geduld says it is extra special have Van Eyck once again lining up in the race in Gqeberha.“ Xylon’ s journey is nothing short of inspirational. He doesn’ t let anything hold him back, staying active and continuously pushing his limits. Whether it’ s taking on Ironman South Africa or racing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, Xylon demonstrates that a positive mindset is one of the most powerful tools for overcoming challenges. His story is a reminder to never take health for granted and to keep moving forward.”
“ I don’ t want to be quick to offer advice, because I believe traumas like cancer are deeply personal, even though the disease is so common. All I can do is share my experience, and say that coming out on the other side has given me a profound appreciation for life – one where I strive never to take my health for granted,” he continues.
“ I once heard someone say that sport is the million-dollar drug that doctors often don’ t prescribe, so I’ d definitely recommend the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K to all runners and walkers. Not only is it a lot of fun and great for your health, but it also supports an incredible cause, CANSA. Having gone through cancer myself, I know firsthand how invaluable it is to have an organisation like CANSA in your corner, offering guidance, support, and peace of mind.”
Feeling Appreciated
2025 marks CANSA’ s second year as the official charity of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, and Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations & Sporting Events Manager at CANSA says,“ The warm welcome that we received from Stillwater Sports, Absa, PUMA, Chery and other official partners across all cities in 2024 made us feel truly special. A key aspect of our mission is public education, and we offer free cancer screenings at Race Pack Collection while providing valuable information on our support services for cancer patients and their families.”
34 Run Your City Series
How to Support CANSA
Runners and walkers participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K can support CANSA by starting their own fundraising project at https:// www. givengain. com / event / absa-run-your-city-series-2025. Also, keep an eye out for the CANSA stand at Race Pack Collection. In addition to offering free health checks and screenings, CANSA will be selling merchandise to raise funds for its vital work.
Images: Action Photo