A mother lost her daughter just weeks before Comrades. Missing some training, she ran the race to honour her late daughter Lesedi.
Namhla is the woman that everyone is talking about on Twitter. She is an inspiration to people everywhere and this is her story…
Namhla was with her daughter on Mother’s Day this year when tragedy struck. A gate fell on her daughter, Lesedi. She had spent three days fighting for her life but was sadly taken from this world. Struck with unimaginable grief, Namhla faced a world without her beautiful daughter.
She had signed up for the Comrades but didn’t get any training in due to her sudden loss. One day, she became determined to honour Lesedi and decided to run the gruelling race in her honour.
Friends came together and had a beautiful sign made so that Namhla could run with it. Showing the world she was running for her daughter. The hashtag on Twitter, #LiveLikeLesedi, quickly drew in love and support.
Her friends shared her beautiful story of facing the race and finishing it no matter what.
“I know a mom. An amazing wonderful mom. That lost her beautiful little 7-year-old girl in May. A gate fell on her on Mothers day. She died on the Thursday. Was devastating for them and us her friends. She was supposed to take part in the Comrades. And has now decided that even though she missed weeks of training she is going to take part in the Comrades in honour of her daughter.”
“Her little girl is Lesedi. And another friend is getting something saying #LiveLikeLesedi to stitch into her clothes for Comrades. Her daughter was full of light and joy and love. The brightest little star. And as her friends, we feel that hashtag is so appropriate. We should all #LivelikeLesedi. With more joy and love and light” – Liezl Moodley
Many people also dedicated their runs to Lesedi.
When a Movement @fatcatsfc remembers and honors its Own #LiveLikeLesedi #redskippa pic.twitter.com/au9i4wtR7j
— @Luliesbabe (@Luliesbabe1) June 9, 2018
Thank you to all for supporting today’s run. Thank you for the well wishes. They went a long way. Today we ran to support friends of ours who lost their daughter recently. The run was dedicated to her. A successful day! Crossing the line was priceless! #LiveLikeLesedi pic.twitter.com/JTtAGH0v0v
— Dr. Mashobadieta (@Oom_Bakkies) June 10, 2018
Congratulations Namhla!! I am so proud of you!! May Sedi’s spirit live with you forever!!❤️❤️🎉 #LiveLikeLesedi pic.twitter.com/FQxTA7H0F0
— Nomthandazo Holomisa (@nomthi_holomisa) June 10, 2018
My cousin ran & completed the comrades marathon yesterday. We buried her 7 year old daughter Lesedi 2 weeks ago. I can't tell you how I feel right now. The human spirit is unbreakable. I am finished. pic.twitter.com/4Vl2lGS9Et
— Kwazi (@Kwazzay) June 10, 2018
The commentary on this last video isn’t about Namhla, but it shows her and her running mate crossing the finish line.
Two athletes run with a banner in hand as they honour their loved one who is no more. Wonderful gesture. #Comrades2018 pic.twitter.com/kVYyGYleuS
— SABC_2 (@SABC_2) June 10, 2018
by 