'Every Step Is for Dave': Gauteng woman runs against time to save friend with cancer

When Nickey Seger laces up her running shoes each morning in Roodekrans, Gauteng, it’s not just for fitness - it’s a lifeline. The 52-year-old is running 21.6 km every day for 30 days to help her close friend, Dave Spurgeon, 65, from Bryanston, Sandton, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in July and has no medical aid. Her mission: raise R500 000 for his urgent treatment - one kilometre, one donation at a time.

Within days of hearing the news, Nickey and her partner, Grant Clack, 63, launched the Hope Powers Dave campaign on BackaBuddy. Their mission: to raise money so that Dave can begin urgent chemotherapy and radiation. 

“When I heard Dave had throat cancer and no medical aid, my heart just sank. This is the reality for so many South Africans. I just felt the need to make a difference and help him in the best way I know how,” says Nickey.

A Friendship That Sparked Action

Nickey met Dave about 18 months ago at a friend’s birthday party, and in that short time, their bond has grown into a strong friendship. What struck her most was Dave’s humility and kindness. Despite his own hardships, including losing his medical aid when he was retrenched during Covid, Dave has always been generous and supportive of others.

“Dave is thoughtful, compassionate, and giving. He has often taken people under his wing, offering guidance, support, and encouragement,” says Dianne, his partner’s sister. “He has truly added value to those around him.”

For Nickey, standing on the sidelines wasn’t an option. “I believe we are stronger together. Anyone can make a difference, and if my running can give Dave a fighting chance, then every step is worth it,” she says.

Running With Purpose

On 25 August 2025, Dave’s 65th birthday, Nickey and Grant began their challenge. Together they lace up twice a day, breaking the 21.6 km daily distance into two runs from their home in Roodekrans, with the route varying each day.

Now, 16 days in, they have already covered a remarkable 345.6 km - more than halfway to their target distance of 650 km. They have 304.4 km still to go over the next 14 days.

“It’s tough, but every kilometre reminds us why we are doing this. Dave is going through so much more, and that keeps us motivated,” says Nickey.

The campaign has already attracted 33 donors, raising R31 636. But with a R500 000 target, there is still a long road ahead.

For Dave, knowing that his friends are running for him has been a source of strength. “As a non-runner, I’m humbled. Your running has brought awareness to the campaign and given me courage to keep fighting,” he told Nickey.

A Race Against Time

Dave’s diagnosis came on 25 July 2025, when a CT scan revealed the tumour. Just two weeks later, doctors inserted a 13 cm stent in his throat so he could swallow again. Recently, the stent became blocked, leaving him unable to eat and in constant pain.

On Friday, 5 September 2025, surgeons at Johannesburg General Hospital removed the blockage, while keeping the stent in place, which brought Dave much relief and allowed him to drink liquids again.

Although this was a step forward, his treatment cannot begin until the tumour is properly addressed, and every day without chemotherapy or radiation makes the cancer harder to fight.

“Time is not on our side, which is why this campaign is so important,” explains Nickey. “The funds will go directly to covering Dave’s urgent medical needs and giving him a chance at recovery.”

Community of Care

For Nickey, this journey is about more than fundraising, it’s about proving the power of community. The campaign has drawn messages of encouragement from near and far, with friends describing Dave as fun-loving, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family.

“He’s been more than a friend - he’s family,” says Dick Roberts, who has known Dave for 30 years. “His humour, energy, and love for his daughters make him someone truly special.”

Nickey hopes their story will inspire others to get involved. “Every donation, no matter the size, and every share of the campaign helps. Together, we can make sure Dave gets the treatment he urgently needs,” she says.

To support Dave visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/hope-powers-dave