Running Wild
Running 1,250 kilometers in 35 days
Raising funds for a school in need
The Running Wild fundraising campaign saw Matthew Murray and Charles Raw accomplish an extraordinary feat—completing a 1,250-kilometre run over 35 consecutive days, from Port Alfred to Cape Town. This gruelling journey culminated at the Beau Constantia grounds on 1 February 2025. Driven by a clear and powerful purpose, their remarkable effort raised funds for the construction of a new kitchen at Velakukhanya Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal.
Led by two passionate runners, adventurers, and conservation enthusiasts, the initiative was grounded in a shared commitment to giving back. Matt and Charles selected Velakukhanya Primary School in KwaNgwenya—a community close to their hearts—as the focus of their efforts to create better opportunities for its learners. Through this journey, they not only contributed to the development of a vital school facility but also celebrated the beauty of South Africa, harnessing their passion for sport and the outdoors to drive meaningful and lasting impact.
A kitchen built for the future
We extend our sincere thanks to Matt and Charles for their unwavering commitment and to every donor, partner, and supporter who made this journey possible. What began as an ambitious run has now resulted in a fully functional kitchen that will transform daily life at Velakukhanya Primary School. With improved space, safer working conditions, and the ability to prepare and serve meals more efficiently, this new facility supports not only nutrition but also dignity, consistency, and a better learning environment for every learner.
Meet the runners
Matthew Murray and Charles Raw
Matt
Matt’s enjoyment of the outdoors was rooted from a young age. He grew up on a dairy farm in the Natal Midlands and was fortunate enough to spend many of his younger days exploring the bush in Northern Natal at Zuka Private Game Reserve. This was where his love for nature truly took flight. In 2012 Matt finished studying for a business degree at the University of Stellenbosch, it was at this junction that he decided to pursue his passion for nature and sharing it with people. He began his guide training at the renowned Inkwazi Ranger training course at Phinda Private Game Reserve. It was at Phinda that Matt spent the next five years, developing as a guide and guide trainer. During his time at Phinda he was able to explore the opportunity to hopefully make a difference in an area that has given him so much, he is relinquishing the personal challenge of taking on the “hope to run”.
Charles
Charles grew up in Howick in the KZN midlands, where during school he spent a lot of time on the sports field. Every other opportunity he spent outdoors in the Karkloof mountains on their family small holding. In 2013, Charles moved back to Howick after 5 years at Rhodes University where he obtained an honors degree in business management. On his return, he started working at a timber outlet in Howick which he took over in2017. Timber Solutions has fortunately been able to support and sponsor a lot of charity drives and schools in the greater midlands area including KZN Trail Running, Angels Care and Love Howick to name a few.
About Velakukhanya Primary School
The school’s name translated into English means “this is the light”.
Velakukhanya Primary School was established in 1979. This school plays a crucial role in fulfilling children’s right to access education – as enshrined in the South African constitution. It is the only primary school – serving the educational needs of over 2500 children – who call this community, home. The primary feeder creche for Velakukhanya Primary School, is Sicelokuhle Creche, which is one of the creches also supported by Wild Impact and our donors, in this region.
Velakukhanya Primary School is an active participant in Wild Impact’s Echo Environmental Education program. Through this programme we have conducted over 3000 environmental education lessons and 772 learners have been able to go on game drives in the iSimangaliso landscape between July 2022 and June 2023. The school currently has 458 (253 boys, and 205 girls) learners enrolled in Grade’s R (aged 5-6 years old) through Grade 7 (aged 13-14 years old), and a staff complement of 13 teachers, which includes the principal. The school is managed by a School Governing Body that is representative of parents of children enrolled at the school, and teachers working at the school.
This project was made possible by…
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Wild Impact is a Public Benefit Organisation registered in South Africa. Reg. No.: 930002115