Join the Fish Hoek Lions in a colour run to support Ocean View boy's cancer battle

What began as a heartbreaking diagnosis for a young Ocean View boy has now inspired a wave of community kindness.

Following last week’s article about 10-year-old Zack Rossouw and his fight against cancer (“10-year-old Ocean View boy battles cancer with courage,” Echo February 4), the Fish Hoek Lions Club has stepped forward, dedicating their upcoming Big Walk for Little Warriors Colour Edition fundraiser to supporting him.

Zack’s story, which detailed his recent diagnosis of osteosarcoma and the challenging treatment journey he now faces at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, struck a chord with many readers - including members of the Fish Hoek Lions.

“After Fish Hoek Lions saw your article last week about young Zack Rossouw from Ocean View who is battling cancer, we contacted Reach For A Dream and asked them if Zack could be the recipient of our fundraising this Saturday,” said Lion Lauren Winder. “They have just confirmed.”

“The reason we chose Zack is twofold,” said Ms Winder.

“Firstly, he is local. Ocean View falls under the area that Fish Hoek Lions Club operates in. And also because childhood cancer is one of the pillars of Lions International. The timing was really serendipitous that we saw your article just before the event, when we didn’t yet have a specific child in mind.”

Now, Zack will be the official beneficiary of the colourful community event, with funds channelled through the Reach For A Dream Foundation.

Heidi Rowley, Western Cape branch manager at Reach for a Dream, said she was delighted that all proceeds from the Lions Club Colour Run would go towards fulfilling Zack’s special dream.

“Reach for a Dream is so grateful for initiatives such as these, which enable us to make more dreams come true,” she added. 

The Big Walk for Little Warriors Colour Edition takes place on Saturday, February 14, at 12pm at the Fish Hoek Sports Fields.

Although called a “colour run”, the event is in fact a relaxed, family-friendly walk.

“It’s not a race,” Ms Winder said.

“Last year, we had people pushing prams and all kinds of things. It’s an easy walk twice around the sports fields on flat ground, and there will be eight paint stations with powder paint.”

Participants are encouraged to wear white T-shirts - and not their favourites.

“The paint shows up much better on white. Your T-shirt probably won’t be wearable after this, but it’s a huge amount of fun," said Ms Winder

Beyond the colour stations, the event will have a festive, family atmosphere, with drinks and snacks on sale and two jumping castles for children.

Fish Hoek Primary School will also run a tuck shop selling treats like candy floss and ice cream to raise funds for school tours, while other vendors will be fundraising for their own causes.

Tickets cost R60 on Quicket or R75 on the day.

For Zack’s mom, Gaizly Rossouw, the gesture from the Lions and the wider community has been deeply moving.

“As Zack’s family, we are so overwhelmed by the support and love and prayers from the entire community, near and far,” she said.

“Hearing about what the Fish Hoek Lions Club is doing for Zack - we are so grateful and appreciative, and it means everything to Zack.”

Just weeks ago, Zack was an active boy who loved swimming, football and riding his bike. Today, his days are filled with hospital visits, tests and treatment. Yet those who know him describe him as brave, smiling and full of courage beyond his years.

Now, thanks to a chain of compassion that started with a local story and spread through the community, Saturday’s splash of colour at the sports fields will carry an even deeper meaning, helping a young boy and his family hold on to hope during the fight of his life.

Book your tickets here to support the Fish Hoek Lions Club and help make Zack’s dream come true.

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