One of the most intense stories to emerge from this year’s Comrades marathon was the story of runner Moira Harding, who went missing after completing the ultramarathon in Durban, before eventually being found more than 12 hours later in a critical condition.
The 54-year-old was found in a hypothermic condition after battling nclement weather conditions throughout the night, and had to be urgently airlifted to hospital, where she spent the next couple of weeks undergoing intensive treatment.
Towards the end of June, The South African revealed that Harding had made encouraging recovery progress and was set to be discharged from hospital.
In an emotional personal message posted on a runners community group, she has shared a debt of gratitude to all those who assisted, supported and cared for her during “one of the toughest moments” of her life.
“I would like to sincerely thank all those who supported me and prayed for me when I went missing at the end of the Comrades Marathon and was found 15 hours later, unconscious and unresponsive due to severe dehydration and extremely low sodium levels resulting in disorientation and delirium,” she shared.
“Your love and prayers carried me through one of the toughest moments of my life.”
Recovery of Comrades runner Moira Harding described as a ‘miracle’
Harding went on to issue a ‘heartfelt’ thank you to all the responders, emergency services, medical staff, athletics club members, family, friends and others who had assisted in one way or another.
“Most importantly, all praise to my Lord and Saviour for protecting me throughout this ordeal, and for healing me,” she shared. “Without Him this recovery would not have been possible. I am now home and recovering well, and I look forward to the journey ahead with renewed strength and gratitude.”
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