Grandads Army on the move
THE Grandads Army Rob Burton Memorial Ride is a gathering of cyclists who take part in a ride from East London to Cape Town in pursuit of raising much-needed funds for the Eyabantwana Trust.
The Eyabantwana Trust is an independent non-profit organisation established to support the work of the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Services based at East London public hospitals.
The deed of trust stipulates that all money given to the trust is used exclusively for children’s surgical services at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals.
Over the past three years, the Grandads Army have managed to raise more than R750000 for the Eyabantwana Trust with the organisation of the Rob Burton Memorial Ride.
This year more than 30 cyclists, separated into three groups – 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 groups will collectively complete an average of 300km every day which results in 100km per group per day. Cycling through to Cape Town over four consecutive days makes this event a large feat for some, but an exciting escape for many of the returning cyclists.
By changing the dates of the Rob Burton Memorial Ride to a more suitable time of year, more cyclists have come on board the Grandads Army, making 2018 a record year for the fundraiser.
By commencing on March 4 in East London, cyclists will arrive in Cape Town on March 7, and enjoy entertaining and relaxing activities in Cape Town before registering for this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour.
The Grandads Army hopes to raise more than R250000 for the Eyabantwana Trust and would like to invite the East London community to support this worthy cause.
Those who wish to come on board by means of sponsorship or donations, can contact Trystan Viaene at