City of Cape Town employees take on mountain biking challenges and 5km fun runs to raise vital funds and support for the young patients at St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 November 2025) – For City of Cape Town employees, keeping the public safe is just part of their daily grind. Recently, they stepped into a different kind of mission, raising hope and funds for St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care.
Regan Bagley and Jermaine Carelse, who come from law enforcement and firefighting backgrounds, took on the three-day Wines2Whales mountain biking challenge in early November. Jermaine faced multiple accidents on the final day, hurting his elbow, hip, knee, and even breaking his glasses, yet he insists the race’s hardships pale in comparison to what the children at St Joseph’s endure every day.
“I injured my elbow, hip, knee and knocked my head against a tree which broke my glasses in half, but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. The hills, the climbs, the struggles, the pain. Every day, the children of St Joseph’s were the heroes we looked up to. They remain the heroes and their struggle continues. That can never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate also hosted a 5km fun run around Rondebosch Common with more than 500 participants taking part. Staff could run or sponsor a colleague, with all proceeds going to St Joseph’s.
Regan says seeing the dedication of St Joseph’s staff inspired their efforts.
“I’ve been all over South Africa doing safety and security, putting my life at risk. But when you look at the individuals that take care of these young patients and have to wipe off tears and motivate and create an atmosphere of positivity and healing every day. They are the real heroes and that inspires me.”
He and Jermaine describe the team as “The Avengers” for their unwavering commitment to the children.
St Joseph’s provides free, transitional care for 175 children from vulnerable communities across the Western Cape. The hospital bridges the critical gap between hospital care and home with multidisciplinary, rehabilitative, and restorative support.
“Everyone had a fantastic time on the track, but what really resonated was seeing the children they were raising funds for join in the festivities and getting to interact with them,” says Tenille Emandien, Head of Physical Fitness at the Public Safety Training College.
“The carers at the facility are doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, teachers, and occupational therapists, but they also take on the roles of parents and family. It takes remarkable people to do this work with such love and devotion, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to play a part in raising money for an institution like St Joseph’s.”
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