Hundreds of people came together to raise nearly R100,000 for the Organ Donation Foundation in memory of Nathan Gabriel Bewsher.
Rosebank, South Africa (14 March 2022) – Over the weekend, hundreds of people came together to walk or run in memory of Nathan Gabriel Bewsher. 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.
Remembering Nathan
To honour Nathan’s memory and save more lives through organ donation awareness, an annual fundraising walk was created in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The route, which is shaped like a heart, can be run or walked by participants that take part.
Last year the event raised in excess of R180,000, thanks to 750 entrants, for the Organ Donor Foundation through the special run/walk. The Bewsher family, Pirates Club and ODF set up the 2022 Nathan Run over the weekend.
This year, a total of 400 people took part, including three individuals from London and Barcelona. We spoke to Catherine Jones, Nathan’s mother, and she confirmed that they are still counting the funds raised, but it is looking like they will reach around R100,000 this year.
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.”
They place painted rocks around to add to the awareness, so people who find them, can find the group dedicated to Nathan’s life.
The Organ Donation Foundation (ODF)
The ODF is a non-profitable and public benefit organisation. Striving to promote Organ and Tissue Donation in South Africa. The aim is to raise public awareness of the critical shortage of organ donation in our country.
They hope to educate South Africans on donation as well to encourage them to become registered donors. Running these awareness sessions helps to eliminate fears, negativity, misconceptions and combat inaccurate information that prevents one from becoming an organ and tissue donor.
Unfortunately, organ donation is misconceived in South Africa; hence the conversation and action are avoided amongst many.
For some, a transplant is their only hope to continue living. There is a dire shortage of available organs. With so many people awaiting life-saving transplants, the foundation urges more people to register as donors and speak to their families about their wishes. By becoming an organ and tissue donor, a person has the potential to save up to 50 lives when they die.
Anyone is eligible to become an organ and tissue donor. All medical tests needed to see if you are eligible to be a donor are done at the time of your death. There is no age limit.
Being an organ/tissue donor is a selfless act of kindness. Donations cost absolutely nothing; no financial compensation is received by the donor or their family.
Here is how you can become an organ donor:
- Firstly, register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation
on 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.
The only way we can save those on the waiting list is to raise awareness.
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