José Takes on a 1,500km Journey to Raise Awareness for Childhood Cancer

Photo Credit: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA

Travelling by pedal cart from Johannesburg to Cape Town, José is setting out to spread hope and shine a light on the children and families affected by cancer.

South Africa (27 October 2026) – From charity runs and cycling challenges to adventures that push people beyond their comfort zones, many people are finding creative ways to use their passions to give back. These efforts can help raise awareness, bring communities together and shine a light on causes that need support. One such example is José Geraldo de Souza Castro.

An ambitious journey across South Africa is under way, with José setting off on a 1,500km challenge to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support the work of the Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinics (CHOC).

José began the journey with his first pedal from Johannesburg, preparing to travel through the North West and Eastern Cape before reaching his final destination in Cape Town. Making the trip by pedal cart, he will cover kilometre after kilometre as he carries an important message to communities along the way.

Photo Credit: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA

For CHOC, which supports children with cancer and their families, the journey is about much more than the distance travelled.

The organisation sees hope in the everyday courage of the children and families it serves. Through this challenge, José hopes to encourage more South Africans to learn about childhood cancer, start conversations and recognise that supporting affected families is a responsibility that can be shared by everyone.

As he makes his way through towns and across the country, CHOC will be cheering him on through the challenges and milestones that lie ahead.

The organisation has also thanked José for the time, energy and dedication he is putting into the initiative, as well as his commitment to helping children and families facing difficult circumstances.

His journey is a reminder that raising awareness does not always happen in a meeting room or through a campaign poster. Sometimes, it takes someone willing to get moving, take on a big challenge and bring a message of hope directly to people along the way.

South Africans can also play a part by supporting CHOC and helping it provide essential care and support to children with cancer and their families.