Cape Town and donors from across the globe have made magic by raising over R133,000 for injured mountain runner José Maria Joao. The smiling face of Power and Glory Bar on Kloofnek Road fell a staggering 50m off Lion’s Head last week, during his routine morning mountain run.
The news that Joao, an experienced mountain runner and a much-loved member of the community, had been airlifted from Lion’s Head in the morning of 17 July after slipping from the top ladder sent shockwaves through Cape Town. His injuries included a broken tibia, cracked ribs, damage to his pelvis, kidney and lung.
“It was a fall that would kill most of us,” employer Adam Whiteman, owner of Power and the Glory, was quoted by News24.
Those who know Joao well, know that he is not just your ordinary guy. He was fifteen when he was captured by UNITA rebels, who forced him into becoming a child soldier. His story was turned into an acclaimed mini-documentary, Run José.
To help out Joao with his medical and rehab expenses, Whiteman and one of the bar’s regular guests and journalist Miriam Mannak kick-started a crowdfunding drive. Within 5 hours of going live 22 July 2016 on favourite South African crowdfunding site www.backabuddy.co.za, the crowdfunding campaign named ‘Help José Run Again’ had raised over R63,000. By Saturday 23rd July, the amount raised by members of the public stood at R106.000.
“Since we went live on Friday noon, donations have been pouring in,” says Mannak, who’s managing and monitoring the campaign. “It is incredibly heartwarming to see how Cape Town and the rest of the world – José has fans everywhere – have come together to ensure that he will be on Lion’s Head sooner rather than later.”
The funds will be used to cover Joao’s hospital stay, medical expenses, rehab and physiotherapy, any additional medical costs, as well as his living expenses whilst recovering. Whatever is left will be put in a savings fund for Joao and a donation to the mountain rescue team is also on the cards.
Apart from funding, medical professionals have pledged their time and skills to help Joao with his rehab and recovery. “Humanity has truly shown its beautiful side this week.” says Mannak.
A special word of thanks goes to Mountain Rescue Services for airlifting Joao to safety, to Groote Schuur Hospital for taking care of him, and to everyone who has supported the campaign in whatever shape or form.
– To make a contribution to the crowdfunding campaign copy this link https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/help-jose-run-again
