Chronic Illness Shaped Her Childhood, But Cheron Never Let It Limit How Far She’d Go

Photo Credit: The Wykeham Collegiate Old Girls via Facebook

Despite facing years of chronic illness and two hip replacements as a teenager, Cheron Randall turned a difficult season into a story of resilience, going on to build a thriving career and prove that her struggles would never define her future.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (06 October 2026) – When going through a trying time or a difficult season, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel or imagine life beyond the long days of struggle and hardship.

Cheron Randall experienced this firsthand during her childhood and school years. While her time at The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC) junior school holds some of her happiest memories, filled with friendships, laughter, school traditions, and all the little moments that made growing up so special, high school turned out to be a very different chapter, one significantly shaped by chronic illness.

“Much of my teenage years involved managing lupus, an autoimmune condition, as well as avascular necrosis (AVN), which affected the blood supply to my hip bones and ultimately caused both hips to collapse,” Cheron shares.

As a result, Cheron had to undergo two hip replacements while still at school – something she says she had not imagined for her teenage years.

Between hospital stays, recovery, and trying to keep up with school, she also had to navigate all the usual challenges of being a teenager. In the years when she was supposed to be at her most carefree and excited about what each new day held, Cheron was dealt a hand that forced her to show up with bravery, even when it wasn’t clear how long it would take to overcome her battle and reach the other side.

Despite this, Cheron says that looking back on her time at TWC, she realises just how much those years shaped the person she is today.

“My years at TWC were still filled with so many happy memories. I was blessed with friends who kept me included and teachers and staff who went above and beyond to support me. Whether I was in hospital, recovering at home or back at school, I always felt cared for. That kindness and understanding made a lasting impact on me,” she shares.

Cheron’s difficult season, thankfully, came to pass. She went on to study at Stellenbosch University before moving to Cape Town, where she began her career as an IT auditor at Deloitte. Still based in Cape Town today, she has since built a successful career in Digital Risk Consulting and Assurance.

One of the things she is most grateful for is that, although chronic illness shaped a significant part of her childhood and teenage years, those limitations didn’t define her future.

“Today, I have an active and social life, surrounded by friends and family, and I’ve developed a real love for fitness and kickboxing — something I never take for granted.”

Though life hasn’t always been straightforward, Cheron learnt that a difficult chapter doesn’t mean your whole story will be difficult.

“The teenager I was at TWC could never have imagined the life I have today. And when I look back, it’s not the challenges I remember most; it’s the people who helped me through them,” reflects a grateful Cheron.