The third annual Nathan run in memory of Nathan Gabriel Bewsher and in aid of the Organ Donor Foundation is set to take place this May.
South Africa (16 April 2023) – Every year, people come together to walk or run in memory of Nathan Gabriel Bewsher. This year marks the third annual run for the beautiful young man, taken too soon. His parents honour his memory every year by hosting the run and raising funds for the Organ Donor Foundation.
Nathan tragically lost his life in a freak accident in 2020. His parents, Catherine Jones and Warren Bewsher, chose to donate his organs, and because of that choice, Nathan saved four lives.
Nathan tragically passed at the age of thirteen. He was a fun-loving, dedicated son that was wise beyond his years. He was a fierce and loyal friend that loved playing pranks. Nathan was also a dedicated sportsman and incredibly healthy before his passing. He was pure of heart, and it is that heart that lives on today in someone else.
“He took a piece of all of us the day he died but at least he literally gave some back too, if not to us, for 4 other people who are fortunately still alive today because of him. Whoever got his heart was undoubtedly the luckiest” – Catherine Jones
Each year, the family rallies friends, family, and anyone who wants to join their cause to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. To date, they have managed to raise over R150,000.00 for the foundation and encouraged hundreds to sign up as organ donors.
Catherine and Warren started a group where they share all the updates related to their awareness campaigns. The group is called “Giving to Life“. They selected the dragonfly to be a symbol of Nathan’s life.
“The Dragonfly as it is one of determination, robustness and easy adaptation, with a very short lifespan of only about 210 days, spending most of its life as a nymph. Just like Nathan it only gets to fly for a small fraction of its life before its life ends. As if this short life is not enough, it changes and adapts 17 times in this fleeting time with every new phase of life after a molt symbolising change and growth.”
How to join:
The run will be taking place on the 7th of May 2023; there will be two races on the day, a quick 5km and a more difficult 13km. You can purchase your entry here.
“We ask for a minimum donation of R100 for the 5km and R120 for the 13km to take part but feel free to add a donation of your choice. There will be two starts on the day:
- 6.30 am runners’ start from Pirates Club for a 13km run to Standard Bank Rosebank, the heart-shaped route and back to Pirates.
- 7.00 am walk or run 5km heart route starting and finishing at the BE KIND sign in Rosebank
All entrants are welcome to join a small celebration afterwards at Pirates Club from 11 am”.
“We look forward to seeing you on the road to celebrate the life of Nathan on the day and the lives he changed through his organ donation.”
You can still join in, even if you don’t run. Sign up to become an organ donor, or encourage loved ones to do the same.
Here is how you can become an organ donor:
- Firstly, register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation
on the toll-free number – 0800 22 66 11. - It’s important to inform your family and make it known to them to honour your wishes.
- The most important part of organ and tissue donation is that you undertake to make it known: Ensure you have the conversation with your family, colleagues and your friends.
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