11 June: Kwa-Zulu natal – This Father’s Day, adventurers, families and supporters are invited to lace up their hiking boots and wear their brightest colours for the annual Sunflower Sky Hike, taking place on Sunday, 21 June 2026.
At the heart of this year’s hike is Ian Preston, who for the past 19 years has completed the climb in memory of his daughter, Jade, who lost her battle with leukaemia. Despite recently recovering from injury, Ian is once again determined to take on the mountain, one step at a time for Jade.
“For me, this hike is deeply personal. I do it in memory of my daughter Jade and every step is a reminder of why we must keep supporting families affected by blood cancer and life-threatening blood disorders,” says Ian Preston.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of KZN’s Sani Pass, this much-loved event is about more than the view. It’s about giving back. Every rand raised goes to two non-profit organisations – DKMS Africa, Rainbows and Smiles as well as Ian.
DKMS Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer and blood disorders by growing a diverse global registry of potential blood stem cell donors. Its mission is to ensure that every patient, locally and internationally, has access to a matching donor and a second chance at life. This is achieved through donor registration drives, awareness campaigns and community outreach across South Africa, with a strong focus on young people.
“Events like the Sunflower Sky Hike are incredibly important for DKMS Africa because they not only raise vital funds, but also create powerful awareness about blood cancer and the urgent need for more stem cell donors. They also serve as a reminder to those who have already registered as potential donors to remain available and committed when called upon, as a match can mean a patient’s only chance of survival,” says Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa.
Rainbows and Smiles wraps children facing cancer and life-threatening illness, along with their families and caregivers, in the emotional, social and financial support they need most.
“We invite everyone to join us in cheering Ian on every step of the way while raising vital funds for causes that change lives,” says event organiser Mandy Tyrer.
Participants will gather at the Sani Bottom Border Post in Himeville at 7am, embarking on an 8km hike up the iconic mountain pass and an 8km return journey. With an estimated ascent time of 3 hours, the hike is suitable for individuals with average to good fitness levels. Support vehicles will be available for participants who prefer to walk up only.
Hikers are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the event by dressing colourfully and wearing a sunflower, the event’s iconic symbol of hope and solidarity. Organisers also remind everyone to prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather conditions by dressing in layers, as temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day.
Breakfast catering will be available at the base of the pass (cash only), while lunch packs can be ordered in advance.
Rain or sunshine, the Sunflower Sky Hike will go ahead, continuing its tradition of celebrating “Lives Touching Lives” while supporting individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The entry fee is a R150 donation. As the hike crosses into Lesotho, all participants must bring a valid passport. A R100 tourist levy applies to those entering the country.
For updates, join the Sunflower Sky Hike 2026 Facebook group.
DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. It was founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf and DKMS together with the organization’s over 1,200 employees and has since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With over 13 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this more than 115,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need. This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, India and South Africa.
DKMS is also heavily involved in the fields of medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving the survival and recovery rate of patients. In its high-performance laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organization sets worldwide standards in the typing of potential blood stem cell donors.
DKMS Africa received its WMDA certification in 2025, cementing its position as South Africa’s biggest and most diverse stem cell donor registry.
For more information, go to https://www.dkms-africa.org
