A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Celebration
In 2007, the Sunflower Sky Hike began as a heartfelt tribute to Jade, a young soul lost to cancer at the tender age of eight. Since then, Mandy and Ian Tyrer have carried forward this legacy annually, scaling the heights of Sani Pass, South Africa to Lesotho. Their mission: to raise awareness and funds for those battling cancer while honoring the memory of loved ones lost to the disease.
This year, the Sunflower Sky Hike holds even deeper significance as it rallies support for Jarryd Nurden, son of Mandy, who himself has been confronting the formidable challenge of a carcinoid lung tumor. Jarryd’s journey, from the excitement of signing his dream West End show to the unexpected twists and turns of diagnosis and treatment, has been a testament to resilience and hope.
The hike is a beacon of solidarity, uniting individuals from all walks of life in a shared commitment to support those facing cancer, to remember those who have passed, and to celebrate the victories of survivors. On Father’s Day, Sunday, 16th June, we invite you to join us on the Sunflower Sky Hike, a symbolic ascent through the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa.
Whether you’re motivated by love for Jarryd and sunflowers, by your own journey as a cancer survivor, or by the memory of a loved one lost to cancer, your presence will add to the tapestry of hope and healing that defines this event. Together, we’ll raise vital funds for Jarryd’s ongoing recovery and extend a helping hand to charities like Rainbow & Smiles, supporting children with cancer, and the Actors Benevolent Fund.
Even if you can’t physically join us on the hike, you can still be part of this uplifting movement by doing a virtual hike in your area. Simply donate, snap a photograph, and share it with the Sunflower Sky Hike 2024 Facebook group. Every contribution, every step taken, brings us closer to our shared goal of spreading hope and healing.
For Jarryd, the journey towards healing has been arduous, but his resolve remains unshakeable. Inspired by the stories of survival he’s encountered along the way, his greatest wish is to pay it forward once he’s fully recovered. Let’s join hands with Jarryd and countless others, as we journey together towards a future free from the shadow of cancer.
So, mark your calendars, gather your sunflowers, and join us on the Sunflower Sky Hike—a journey of hope, healing, and celebration. Together, we’ll climb mountains, conquer challenges, and emerge stronger, united in our shared pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
Contact: Mandy Tyrer on email mandy@maritzburgtutorcentre.co.za