Melda Ruiters (Northpine Brackenfell), a cancer survivor, strongly believes that staying active and participating in sports are key to managing the disease. A passionate runner, she participates in various events and will once again be taking part in one of her all-time favourites, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, on National Mother’s Day, Sunday 11 May 2025.
At 52, Ruiters was diagnosed with multiple myeloma while training for the Comrades Marathon. Initially misdiagnosed and treated for nephrotic syndrome, she was later told her heart and kidneys were failing. Despite the grim prognosis, including eight months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she never gave up.
After her recovery, she started running again, completing her first 21.1km race in April 2017. Last year, she achieved the challenge of completing 21 x 21.1km races in 12 months. In 2024, she competed in the National Transplant Games and will represent South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Germany in 2025. She has already earned a silver medal at the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2023 for the 3km race walk.
“I believe staying active played a key role in my recovery,” says Ruiters. “Dealing with cancer is not easy. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but there are ways that can help you to cope. I recommend counseling or therapy if anxiety affects your daily life.”
“As a big supporter of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, I see it as a celebration of fitness and community,” she continues. “I’ve been running the series since 2017, and I’m excited for my 8th Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K this year. The live entertainment and spirit of togetherness make it so special.”
Ruiters adds, “From experience, I believe physical activity strengthens the immune system, supports cancer management, and helps regulate hormones. Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and at a good weight, which is crucial for overall well-being. If you want a fresh start, try physical activity—it has empowered me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.”
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as its official charity. Participants are given the chance to make a meaningful impact by donating online or running to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
“Melda’s strength and commitment to staying healthy and active is truly inspiring,” says Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations & Sporting Events Manager at CANSA. “Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the vital role physical activity plays in recovery and overall well-being. She is an incredible role model for anyone facing adversity and a true advocate for leading a healthy, active life.”
2025 marks CANSA’s second year as the official charity partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.
“We were warmly embraced by Stillwater Sports, Absa, PUMA, Chery, and all the official partners during our first year in 2024,” says Geduld. “This made us feel truly valued. One of the key goals of CANSA is public education. We offer free cancer screenings at Race Pack Collection and provide essential information on the support services available to cancer patients and their families. Regular physical activity, like taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, alongside regular screenings, plays an important role in reducing cancer risks and improving survival.”
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025—the same year CANSA marks a decade of its CANSA Active brand, dedicated to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle to help reduce cancer risk.
“We’re excited to enhance our education and awareness campaigns at this year’s race pack collection days,” adds Geduld. “We’re also inviting participants to become CANSA Active Champions and raise additional funds through the GivenGain online platform. This year promises to be even more exciting, highlighting a partnership we truly value with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES and its partners.”
“We are proud to have CANSA as the official charity partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “The fantastic work CANSA does in cancer research, education, and supporting patients is invaluable. We encourage all runners to show their support by making a donation or helping raise awareness for this crucial cause. CANSA representatives will also be available at Race Pack Collection, so if any entrants have concerns about their health, be sure to stop by their stand – they’re there to help.”
How to support CANSA: Runners and walkers participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K can support CANSA by donating during online registration or starting their own fundraising project via the following link: https://www.givengain.com/event/absa-run-your-city-series-2025
Facebook: @CapeTown10k
Instagram: @CapeTown10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
About Absa
Absa Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. Absa operates in fourteen countries. The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States. For further information about Absa Group Limited, please visit www.absa.africa
About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES
A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015. A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES comprises five unique events namely the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (launched in 2023), Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (launched in 2015), the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K (launched in 2017), Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K (launched in 2023) and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K (launched in 2016). A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants. For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/
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