After Losing His Mother to a Brain Injury, Willem Brooks Decided to Run for Others

Photo Credit: Willem Brooks

Willem Brooks is taking on a 1,000-mile challenge to honour his late mother and raise funds for families affected by brain injuries.

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 June 2026) – Ten years ago, Willem Brooks found himself sitting beside a hospital bed, facing the uncertainty that follows a traumatic brain injury.

His mother had been involved in a horse-riding accident that left her with a severe brain injury. In the days and weeks that followed, his family navigated one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Now, a decade later, Willem is honouring her memory in an extraordinary way.

The Johannesburg runner has set himself the challenge of completing 1,000 miles during 2026 while raising funds for Headway Gauteng, a non-profit organisation that supports people living with brain injuries and the families who care for them.

He says the period between the accident and her passing remains one of the most frightening experiences of his life.

“The time she was in the hospital, leading up to her passing, was easily the most frightening and anxious time of my life. We had no idea if she would survive, or what our lives would look like if she did.”

That experience left him with a lasting appreciation for organisations such as Headway Gauteng, which helps families navigate the emotional, practical and financial challenges that often follow a brain injury.

Adding another layer of meaning to the journey is the fact that his mother spent her own life helping others.

A medical doctor at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, she was known for her dedication to patient care and her commitment to serving people who did not always have access to private healthcare.

Running has played an important role in Willem’s life since losing his mother, becoming a way to reflect, process difficult emotions and build resilience. When 2026 marked a decade since her passing, he decided to combine that passion with a cause close to his heart.

His original plans included both the Tokyo Marathon and the Comrades Marathon, but a running injury suffered in Tokyo forced him to rethink the challenge.

Rather than stepping away from the campaign, he adapted. The final chapter of the journey will take place at the Van Gaalen Backyard Ultra on 1 and 2 August, where he hopes to complete the last miles of his 1,000-mile goal.

“This campaign is not about athletic performance, but about using endurance running as a vehicle to raise awareness and support for families affected by brain injuries.”

Those who would like to support the fundraiser and help Headway Gauteng continue providing vital support to survivors of brain injuries and their families can follow the link here.