Brain tumor survivor runs Two Oceans Marathon for maternal healthcare

After surviving a brain tumor that paralyzed the left side of his body, Pacific Mbela, of Diep River, has devoted his recovery journey to running for charitable causes. 

This April, he plans to raise R50,000 running the Two Oceans Marathon in support of the Zoe Project, a non-profit organisation that provides maternal healthcare in vulnerable communities.

“I don't take life lightly. I am the walking miracle,” says Mr Mbela, “We think it's something that we deserve but I know the meaning of life.”

In 2017, Mr Mbela was diagnosed with meningioma, a brain tumour that grows from the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, that required surgery for removal. 

He suffered from severe headaches and multiple strokes as the tumour grew, blocking the blood flow. Reliant on public healthcare, he waited for the operation, which was eventually scheduled for July 2017.  

He was discharged five days after surgery, however, the left side of his body was still paralysed. Doctors warned he may not walk again. A month after being discharged from hospital, Mr Mbela went back to work.

“The medication I was taking made me sleepy. I picked up a lot of weight. I decided to start going to the gym, it was a matter of just losing weight and keeping fit. But from there, I found the passion for running.”

“I remembered in surgery a promise I made to God that if he restored me, I would show my gratitude by giving back to my community.

“My first year was a bit of a struggle. I didn't even have proper shoes to run with. I remember my first road race was the Constantia VOB 15km, which I ran in one hour and 26 minutes. Just three weeks ago, I ran the same race in 58 minutes.” 

“From there, I discovered that I am able to run. I didn't know anything. I didn't have a coach.I just started asking people questions. The biggest mistake I made on that day is I ran with brand new shoes and I got injured. But that could not stop me from doing what I was planning to do, to run big races.”

It has taken him two years to gain knowledge, and since 2022 he has run two Comrades Marathons and three Two Oceans Marathons. He also runs 70km to 80km a week in training. This is the second time he is running an ultramarathon for the Zoe Project; he raised R30 000 running the Comrades Marathon last year.

“When I run for charity, I always choose an organisation that aligns with my vision. I see the work that the Zoe Project is doing, it's empowering women and changing lives in the community. They cannot run it on their own, they need our support,” Mr Mbela says.

The Zoe Project was started in the Retreat Midwife Obstetrics Unit in 2001 and currently operates in more than five hospitals, as far as Zimbabwe, with over 90 volunteers. 

The project’s volunteers see patients for full-cycle care from the first booking, to counseling, antenatal, in the delivery ward, post-natal, and help with the breastfeeding and works with the Department of Social Services to place women in safe homes when needed, says founder Tracey Aitken, of Lakeside.

“It's important that we address all areas that women face in a non-judgmental loving way to bring hope. That's why we offer mom packs and baby packs to all those hospitals. If the mom comes in and she hasn't got any baby products or growers, the staff or our doulas, hand over packs. It's a tool that we use to bring education and to bring dignity to the moms and the babies.”

Ms Aitken says the project is making a difference for a lot of women and babies but it can not be done without support. 

“We've been around for a long time, to work in government space, it's taken years to be accredited. Our volunteer program is very strict. We work alongside the staff. Staff shortages have gotten worse over the years, it's only the moms and the babies that miss out, that's where we try to come in and hold space, which is working. Whatever's donated to the project is held with respect and responsibility by our team.”

All proceeds of Mr Mbela's run will go towards mom and baby packs as well as continuing antenatal classes which reach over 250 mothers a year, educating and rewarding them with a baby shower at the end of the programme.

Ms Aitken says he holds a deep admiration for Mr Mbela's heart for vulnerable moms.

“It's amazing for a man to recognise that it is not just women who have a role to play. It's a call to action for men to step up and take responsibility. He embodies this principle and is a wonderful example.”