Go! & Express

Grandads hit the road again

- AMANDA NANO

Eager cyclists will aim to raise funds for charity as the Grandads Army Memorial Ride takes to the road from East London to Cape Town on March 3.

In it's fifth year, the annual event will see 35 cyclists ride in relay teams for a distance of 1,160km over five consecutiv­e days.

Eyabantwan­a Children's Trust director Dr Colin Lazarus said the Grandads have helped raise R1m over four years.

“We have a steep fundraisin­g hill to climb, but we are confident that East Londoners and the many people along the way who were so supportive in 2018, will again rally behind this great cause,” Lazarus said.

Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital's paediatric patients benefited from much-needed surgical equipment bought from funds raised in 2018.

These are the main referral centres for children in need of complex surgeries.

The trust was establishe­d by Lazarus, also a Grandads Army cyclist, to support work undertaken by the hospitals.

Army, navy and air force teams each cycle 100km to Cape Town via the Cradock, Willowmore, Swellendam, Gansbaai and Gordon's Bay route.

They will then tackle 110km on March 10 by taking on the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer (CECM), the official fuel sponsor of the support teams, commended the Eyabantwan­a Trust for their dedication in raising awareness and funds to assist burn victims in the Eastern Cape.

“The money raised has become a beacon of hope for so many burn victims in the province. These youngsters are the future leaders in our country and as business we should ensure that they are given the chance to make this happen,” said CECM CEO Clive Berlyn.

To donate to the cause, contact Trystan Viaene via e-mail at

 ?? Picture: BRUCE VIAENE ?? READY TO RIDE: Left to right, are Clive Berlyn, Wayne Krenski, Sandy Thompson, Michele Wienand and Patrick Kelly who supported the cause at the Grandads Army Memorial Ride’s media launch in East London
Picture: BRUCE VIAENE READY TO RIDE: Left to right, are Clive Berlyn, Wayne Krenski, Sandy Thompson, Michele Wienand and Patrick Kelly who supported the cause at the Grandads Army Memorial Ride’s media launch in East London

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