Grandads in cycle ride to raise funds

Initiative to boost Eyabantwana Trust

MEMBERS of the Grandads Army cycling group will ride from Komani to East London this Sunday in preparation for this year's fundraiser for the Eyabantwana Trust – for the Children via the Rob Burton Memorial Ride.

The Eyabantwana Trust is an independent non-profit trust organisation established to support the work of the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Services based at the East London public hospitals.

The Deed of Trust stipulates that all money given to the trust is used exclusively for the Children's Surgical Service at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals.

The Grandads Army raises funds throughout the year for the Eyabantwana Trust by organising or participating in four major events, namely the Rob Burton Memorial Ride, a Mother's Day Tea, The Grandads Army Spring Ball and the Grandads Army Golf Day. On Sunday, at least 10 members of the Grandads Army will depart Komani along with a Komani cyclist, who cycles in aid of Unogwaja Challenge after indulging in a coffee and muffin at Frontier Caltex provided by Fresh Stop and Seattle Co.

The group are expected to complete their 195km training ride by 5pm on Sunday.

The Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer team have come on board to support the Grandads Army events in aid of Eyabantwana Trust.

Those passing along the N6 are encouraged to cheer on this group as they ready themselves for their 1600km journey next month.

This year more than 30 cyclists separated into three groups forming the army, navy and air force, form the "Grandads Army". These three groups will collectively complete the 1 160km ride in the form of a relay which will commence on March 4. The three groups will complete an average of 300km collectively each day, resulting in each group completing 100km per day.

Over the past three years, the Grandads Army have managed to raise an amount over R750 000 for the Eyabantwana Trust through the organisation of the Rob Burton Memorial Ride and, this year hope to raise more than R300000 , having raised a sum of over R1-million for the NPO since 2015.

Members of the public who wish to get involved with this phenomenal cause and help raise funds for the Paediatric Surgical Services based at the East London public hospitals are encouraged to contact Trystan Viaene –