Luke Bester, a three-year-old boy from Goodwood, Cape Town, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, fast-growing cancer affecting the immune system in August 2022.

The news devastated his parents Marvin (35) and Ruth(42), and little brother, Joshua (1). Luke now faces a long road to recovery and will need his parents by his side as he undergoes chemotherapy to remedy his condition.

“Since Luke’s diagnosis, we have been in and out of the hospital. We have lost a lot of family time. It has been emotionally draining for us as a family. During the weeks that Luke is receiving treatment, one of us is a single parent to Luke in the hospital while the other is a single parent at home to Joshua.” – says Marvin

To support Luke with his ongoing needs, 3 staff members from Bishops School, where Marvin works as a Biology teacher, and 30 runners from Pinelands Athletic Club, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.

Taking on the Cape Town Marathon on 15 and 16 October 2022, the runners who have varied experience, championed the 42.2km route and raised R114 000 to support Luke with his treatments, and help the Bester family with their living and transport expenses.

Ray van der Scholtz, Lee-ann Harris, Melany du Plessis, Henry du Plessis and Delyse Rist.

The campaign, which is still accepting donations due to Luke’s ongoing needs, has thus far received 106 donations towards the fundraising target of R150 000.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by our family, friends and colleagues. The initiative was set up by our dear running friend (Alison Smith). It has been extremely heartwarming to experience the love that they have shown. This means so much to us. We will forever be in the debt of those who have carried us thus far.” – says Marvin

Support Luke as he battles cancer on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/luke-bester

Alternatively, donate Via Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/LukeBester