Grandads’ gruelling cycle trip for charity

EACH October for the past three years, a group of grandfathers cycle from East London to Stellenbosch to raise funds for a children’s trust and in honour of their two late friends.

The grandads will be at it again this year, cycling 1 200km from October 8 to 12 in efforts to raise over R250 000 for the Eyabantwana for the Children’s Trust. The last two rides raised more than R500 000, which went towards upgrading the surgical needs of paediatric wards at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals in East London and Mdantsane.

The money raised this year will go towards refurbishing and purchasing equipment for paediatric burn wards at the two hospitals.

The trust launched the third annual Rob Burton Memorial Ride on Wednesday evening in honour of East London riders Rob Burton and Arthur Salzwedel, who lost their lives during a training ride.

This year, the group of riders will trek up the N6 route, going past the Karoo, through the Huisrivier Pass and into Stellenbosch over four days.

Trust member and cyclist Colin Lazarus said the race was “in honour of our men and an adventure for us”.

“We’re time.

“There are three groups: the airforce, the navy, and the army. Each will ride 100km per day.

“Most rides will be done in groups but for some parts of the journey we’ll all ride together.”

Patrick Paiter of Caltex Eastern Cape marketers donated R40 000 towards the trust, and said the improvement of children’s lives was a cause “close to our hearts”.

“This trust makes the world a safer place for our children. We salute you.”

The chairman of the trust, David Morell, said: “It’s about the children. In its five years of existence the trust has succeeded beyond hopes due to the supportive East London community. We have managed to do a lot for children in our hospitals.”

The group has welcomed new members with 27-year-old Tracey Gaze and 58-year-old Sandy Thompson joining the men’s group for the challenge.

Lazarus said: “We still have a place for more riders.”

The group will document their trip on social media platforms. The public is invited to join the fun and support the grandads’ drive for charity. — looking forward to a fun