Local runners laced up for a cause on Saturday 17 October and participated in the Richard’s Racers 3 km and 5 km fun run at Beaumont Primary School in aid of Helderberg Hospice.

Richard’s Racers was founded by siblings Liam McCulley and Kayla Peacocke from Somerset West in memory of their father, Richard McCulley, who died of brain cancer in 2012, and honours their mother, a 20-year breast cancer survivor. What began at Helderberg Hospice’s Cycling for Life event in 2018 was revived in 2025 as a running-based fundraising initiative for cancer-related causes. Last year the group raised about R28 000 for Care for Cancer through the Winelands Marathon, with around 30 runners. This year Richard’s Racers is fundraising for Helderberg Hospice, with a target of R25 000.

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Community spirit

After the fundraising run, Peacocke commended community members who showed up, despite the rain, and contributed to the success of “an incredible day”.

“We could not be more grateful,” she said. “When we set ourselves the goal of raising R25 000 for Helderberg Hospice, we hoped that our community would get behind us. To have not only reached that goal, but surpassed it through ticket and raffle sales in the lead-up to the event, has been incredibly special. Seeing people arrive ready to run, support and get involved, even with the rainy weather, reminded us why community events like these are so meaningful.”

Lasting impact

Peacocke further said that Helderberg Hospice has been doing incredible work in the local community for many years. The organisation supports patients and their families with compassion, care and dignity during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“It is such a privilege to work alongside them and to be able to contribute, even in a small way, to the work they do. Knowing that the funds raised will support their ongoing work in our community makes all the effort worthwhile,” she added.

She expressed her gratitude toward all the sponsors who generously donated prizes, refreshments and supplies. She also thanked every volunteer who gave up their time. Additionally, she extended thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, entered the raffle, participated in the run or helped spread the word.

“Your support made this event possible, and we could not have done it without you,” she said. “We are proud of what our community has helped us achieve, and we hope this is just the beginning of many more opportunities to come together, honour our loved ones and support the incredible organisations doing meaningful work right here in the Helderberg.”

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Hospice gratitude

Louise Smith, head of Resource Development at Helderberg Hospice, said in preparation for the Winelands Marathon on 7 November, Richard’s Racers held a successful fun run. She said despite the cool, rainy weather, participants arrived at Beaumont Primary School with an attitude of warmth and high spirits. This reflected the energy of the brother-and-sister organising duo.

“Their chosen charity this year is Helderberg Hospice, which has served the Helderberg community with hospice and palliative care for over 40 years. Liam said, ‘every kilometre is about more than a finish line – it is about remembering where they have come from, supporting those still walking their own cancer journey, and turning their family’s experience into something positive’. Helderberg Hospice expresses its gratitude for being the selected beneficiary of the wonderful community-organised event, thanking Liam and Kayla, Richard’s Racers supporters, sponsors and everyone who participated in the event,” said Smith.