A Gauteng woman has taken on a remarkable 650 km running challenge to raise funds for her friend battling throat cancer.
Nickey Seger (52) from Roodekrans has teamed up with her partner, Grant Clack (63), to launch the Hope Powers Dave campaign on BackaBuddy. Their goal is to raise R500,000 to cover urgent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for 65-year-old Bryanston resident, Dave Spurgeon, who was diagnosed in July 2025.
To inspire support, Nickey and Grant committed to running 21.6 km every day for 30 consecutive days, totalling 650 km. The challenge began on 25 August 2025, Dave’s birthday, and has already seen them pass the halfway mark with 345.6 km completed.
“When I heard Dave had throat cancer and no medical aid, my heart just sank,” Nickey explains. “This is the reality for so many South Africans. I just felt the need to make a difference and help him in the best way I know how.”
The campaign has drawn 33 donors so far, raising over R31,000. For Dave, knowing that his friends are running for him has been deeply moving. “As a non-runner, I’m humbled. Your running has brought awareness to the campaign and given me courage to keep fighting,” he says.
Nickey first met Dave just 18 months ago, but their bond quickly grew into a deep friendship. Friends and family describe him as humble, generous, and devoted to others. “He’s been more than a friend—he’s family,” says Dick Roberts, who has known him for 30 years.
Dave’s diagnosis came after a CT scan revealed a tumour in late July. Surgeons inserted a 13 cm stent in his throat so he could swallow, but complications have since left him unable to eat solid food. Doctors say his treatment cannot begin without urgent funding, making every day critical.
For Nickey, this campaign is about more than fundraising—it is a demonstration of solidarity. “Every donation, no matter the size, and every share of the campaign helps,” she says. “Together, we can make sure Dave gets the treatment he urgently needs.”