A quiet yet profound 500km hike took place in the picturesque mountains of the Cape recently, and its outcomes are set to improve the lives of 20 children in the best way!
Cape Town, South Africa (26 May 2025) – In a truly inspiring four-day journey, a group of dedicated hikers conquered 500km of challenging mountains and open roads, all to make a profound difference for children born with clubfoot.
Together, they navigated a 500km hike all to support STEPS and raise funds for children born with clubfoot so that more little feet can grow strong, stable, and ready for the future.
Among the determined group was gold Paralympian Mpumelelo Mhlongo, whose story of overcoming the stigma surrounding disabilities is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right care and support.
Despite the waves he’s made on the global athletics stage, Mhlongo’s journey to the Paralympics wasn’t one borne out of an early ambition to become an athlete. Rather, it was shaped by a desire to overcome the stigma surrounding disabilities that’s so often rampant in small-town South Africa.
According to the University of Cape Town, where Mhlongo is a chemical engineering PhD candidate, what began as a personal challenge to run faster than his peers soon turned into a competitive opportunity. It is there where his athletic potential became clear when he began representing his district and later his province.
Today, he champions inclusivity as an inspiring athlete who has overcome great odds and supports great causes, such as the recent STEPS hike.
Together, the hikers’ mission to offer children born with clubfoot the brightest future imaginable was realised with an impressive R50,000 raised, that’s enough to support the treatment of 20 children!
Even if you weren’t on the trail, you can still walk alongside STEPS by donating to the charity and help a child step into their future.
Sources: STEPS | University of Cape Town
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