2 men, 16 days, and 550 kilometres of grit. David Grier and Andrew Stewart have been running through extreme heat and rugged terrain to bring the life-changing gift of a smile to children born with a cleft lip.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 January 2026) – Every child deserves to express their joy through a bright smile. It is for this very reason that David Grier and Andrew Stewart have taken on an extraordinary challenge.
Since 28 December 2025, the pair have been running 550 km over 16 days – from Die Hel to Cape Town – as part of ‘Summer of Smiles,’ the latest chapter in the Cipla Foundation’s Miles for Smiles series in support of Operation Smile South Africa.
They’ve documented and shared their adventures on their Instagram account, giving supporters an entertaining glimpse into their encounters with spectacular wildlife, the hidden gems of Mother Nature that stopped them in their tracks and the “joys” of trekking through the most unbearable heat.
View this post on Instagram
Today marks the final stretch of their mission through extreme heat, rugged terrain, and one marathon a day – where every step they take brings the hope of life-changing surgeries to children born with cleft lips and abnormal palates.
Taking place during the peak of the South African summer, their journey is not just about distance; it’s about resilience, hope, and changing lives.
Operation Smile works with professionals, hospitals, universities, government and other NGOs to create the most effective solutions for children and adults born with cleft conditions, especially in remote, rural areas, where access to specialist medical services is challenging and children born with cleft conditions have to wait for the help they need.
As David and Andrew push through the final few kilometres and rally to raise R95,000, they carry the hope of healthier futures and brighter smiles for children in need.
by 