Meet the Cape’s philanthropic runner
Stefan van Neel is taking on a 24-hour running challenge at Lion’s Head to raise awareness about mental health. Supplied
Trail running enthusiast Stefan van Neel is using his love for running to raise funds for causes that are near and dear to his heart.
The former professional soccer player has decided to run the base of Lion’s Head to raise awareness about mental health.
From October 28 to 29, Van Neel will be circling the base of Lion’s Head as many times as possible in 24 hours.
His most recent trail-running endeavour is a collaboration with the mental wellness cellphone app Panda and K-Way.
The Panda app, which is free to download, was developed to make access to mental healthcare easier.
Van Neel said in the first lockdown period, he saw many people struggle with depression and wanted to do something that can change it.
“It was troubling to see people struggling and that resources were not easily accessible to many of them.
“I always planned to do an activation like this, and when I reached out to K-Way along with Panda, it became a feasible goal,” he said.
The trail runner who hails from Bellville said it was of utmost importance to share with people that there are resources available that can assist their mental health journey.
“I struggled to find a sponsor in the mental health field. Panda is so fitting because it is free to use once you’ve downloaded it.
“In the past, I've struggled with suicidal ideas. Even though it was a really dark time in my life, I was fortunate to have the support I needed,” he said.
In August Van Neel completed the Cape Town Trail Marathon to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Van Neel, 30, said his goal was to keep making a difference.
“I want to shift the narrative and show people that when they need assistance, it is available to them.
“It’s so important that people have resources they need to assist them.
“It’s okay not to be okay, and nobody has to go through this alone,” he said.
Last year, Van Neel raised R110 000 towards saving the Iris House Children’s Hospice from closing.
For this, he undertook a 10-peak, 47km running trail.
CEO Iris House, Sue van der Linde, said she is so grateful for what he did.
“He is amazing. Due to his efforts, we managed to make the target of half a million rand that much quicker.
“Without his help, we might not have been where we are right now.
“This ensured that we can keep going and growing,” she said.
Van Neel is encouraging the public to join him at the base of Lion’s Head at 4pm on October 28.
“You don’t have to run with me, just take a walk around the base, relax and free your mind in nature,” he said.