Y-Care boss runs for charity

Y-Care Charitable Trust Chairman, Modise Koofhethile, is on a 422km run in aid of Cancer Association of Botswana, Diabetes Association of Botswana as well as various charities.

Following his incredibly successful “Y-Care Chairman Challenge” run last year with over P160 000 raised and 1000 people testing for diabetes, Koofhethile says the mammoth feat of endurance is all about using his passion for running to give back to the community while raising awareness on non communicable diseases. “Life is about caring about those less fortunate than you,” he told The Midweek Sun.

He also hopes to inspire people to run, get outside and take on adventure more often, no matter how big or small. The weeklong challenge began on Monday in Gakhibane and will end on Friday in Jwaneng with the grand finale consisting of a 21km half marathon from Gabane Clinic to Airport Junction Mall slated for Saturday.

Koofhethile, whose own mother has lost sight on one eye due to complications caused by diabetes, reiterated the importance of constantly educating the communities on non communicable diseases and how to best take care of themselves. To date, more than 96 000 people live with diabetes, which gives the country the national prevalence of 8.25 per cent, compared to 4.3 per cent in the rest of Africa.

Koofhethile urges the public to take part in the last 6km stretch from Molapo Crossing Mall to Airport Junction Mall for a fun run and donate P50 to the cause. ”Running can be intimidating for most people but it’s one of the best and cheap ways to keep fit,” he shared. Having started running five years ago, Koofhethile said he wouldn’t ever have imagined doing anything like this. “It’s not easy but it is worth it. It’s about putting faith in your own ability, one step at a time to keep moving when you know that everything is going to be screaming at you to stop.”