South Africa’s barefooted brother Graham Wells won’t lace up any sneakers for this year’s Comrades Marathon. Shoeless and ever-spirited, Wells will run barefoot again to raise funds for homeless communities.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (06 June, 2023) — You’d be forgiven for wondering why anyone would tackle an ultramarathon like the Comrades without shoes. For South Africa’s barefoot brother, Graham Wells, the answer is simple. Put yourself in another person’s shoes (or the lack thereof) and be reminded to change their stance.
“I firmly believe that running medals don’t mean anything unless you have made a difference for someone else,” shares Wells.
The 46-year-old barefoot racer from Pelham, Pietermaritzburg will be running another Comrades with homeless communities close to his heart and his soles on 11 June.
Not his first barefooted rodeo, Wells has rallied for the homeless in consecutive years and even virtually in 2021.
The cause, ‘Run for a Roof’ has seen Wells’ support since its inception in 2021, started by One Life Foundation.
Many people have responded to the cause already, contributing to Wells’ ultimate goal of R250 000. This will help the newly formed PMB Homeless Network to provide a safe, clean, and warm environment for homeless people in the city. While this won’t be the first homeless shelter in Pietermaritzburg, it will be the first of its kind, as individuals will have access to a range of services.
From Social Housing Worker to Barefooted Champion for the Homeless
Beyond the homelessness we see in South Africa, Wells’ life saw him encounter the need for housing in parts of the world deemed ‘first rate’. His work in social housing in the UK spotlighted how universal homelessness actually is, deeming it a pandemic that needs a lot more attention.
About the PMB Homeless Network
The PMB Homeless Network is a coalition of like-minded organizations that includes Msunduzi Municipality, Business Fighting Crime, local churches, charities, social service providers, activists, and volunteers from Pietermaritzburg.
Together, they are committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Graham’s fundraising efforts will go towards restoring and repairing a large building that the local municipality has secured for the PMB Homeless Network. The organization aims to provide legal and social aid, educational support, job training, health services, and basic human needs to the homeless in the city. Through this initiative, they hope to create replicable models that can be expanded beyond Pietermaritzburg.
“I have a dream to see a safe, friendly, people-centered shelter, in Pietermaritzburg, where people of any race or background can be welcomed and empowered to make something better of themselves.
“By coming together to fund this project we can change the face of homelessness in our City and restore dignity to those society has left behind. Everyone deserves kindness and a second chance,” says Wells.
Wells’ journey will begin at 5:30 am in Pietermaritzburg and end at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.
You can support Run for a Roof and SA’s barefooted hero here, or here.
Meanwhile, another Comrades runner-to-be is set to race with the Angel Network in mind! Read all about Jonathan Maehler’s story.
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