Richard Laskey’s Journey of Hope and Heart with The Cows

Since 2008, Richard Laskey has helped turn an idea to support children and families affected by childhood cancer into a heartfelt reality. Through The Cows, he has brought light, hope... The post Richard Laskey’s Journey of Hope and Heart with The Cows appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 20, 2026 - 09:44 Updated: May 20, 2026 - 09:50

Richard Laskey’s Journey of Hope and Heart with The Cows

Since 2008, Richard Laskey has helped turn an idea to support children and families affected by childhood cancer into a heartfelt reality. Through The Cows, he has brought light, hope and a reason to keep holding on to countless lives, powerfully reminding them that they are never alone.

Johannesburg, South Africa (20 May 2026) – Some people wear the cow suit for a race. Others wear it as a lifelong commitment to showing up for those in need. The latter best describes Richard Laskey, a compassionate athlete driven not so much by personal goals as by the countless families he supports through every kilometre covered, finish line crossed and rand raised through The Cows.

Richard has been part of The Cows’ journey since the very beginning, helping to turn one heartfelt idea in 2008 into a nationwide community of hope for children and teenagers affected by cancer.

What began as a simple fundraising ride in memory of a little girl named Jessica Bain quickly became something far bigger, the charity shares.

Richard helped shape that journey from the start. The iconic cow suits now seen at sporting events and fundraisers across South Africa were his bright idea.

But for Richard, this was never about attention. It has always been about purpose.

In an inspiring podcast conversation with Good Things Guy’s Brent Lindeque, last year, Richard opened up about pushing through his last Comrades Marathon, over 80 kilometres on an injured leg, to raise awareness and funds for CHOC and the young cancer warriors who don’t get to “opt out” when things get tough.

“Through countless races, endurance events, fundraisers and awareness campaigns, he has continued using every kilometre to shine a light on children and families facing cancer. From running the Comrades Marathon in a cow suit to taking on extreme cycling events and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro dressed in cow print, Richard has shown what it means to turn passion into impact.”

Richard’s journey also became deeply personal after he lost his wife, Melanie, to cancer. Yet even through grief, Richard continued to choose hope, using his story, energy and voice to uplift others walking difficult roads of their own.

Because that is what The Cows are really about: not just fundraising, but reminding families that they are never alone.

All of this helps CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa continue providing psychosocial support, transport, accommodation near treatment centres and practical care for families navigating childhood cancer.

As The Cows so eloquently puts it:

“Richard’s story reminds us that sometimes the greatest impact does not come from standing in front, but from continuing to walk, ride and run beside others, year after year.”

We join The Cows in honouring and thanking Richard and every Cow who continues to show up for children, teenagers and families facing cancer. Every kilometre, every event and every cow suit brings hope, care and support to families who need it most.