Following an article published in the Alberton Record on May 21 last year, Jonathan and Tyronne Wilken are preparing to face what they describe as the second biggest challenge of their lives: the gruelling 2026 ABSA Cape Epic.

Often referred to as the Tour de France of mountain biking, the ABSA Cape Epic is one of the toughest endurance races in the world, testing athletes over eight punishing days of unforgiving terrain.

But for the Wilken brothers, this challenge is about far more than physical stamina or crossing a finish line.

“Half the effort fuels the race; half heals families,” the brothers said, a phrase that has become the heart of their mission.

In March, Jonathan and Tyronne will ride not only for personal endurance, but for a deeply personal cause motivated by the Morgan Wilken Foundation for Change.

The fundraising initiative has been designed with full transparency: 50% of all funds raised will cover the essential costs of competing in the ABSA Cape Epic, while the remaining 50% will directly fund therapy sessions for children and parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).

“These are families living through the most overwhelming moments of their lives,” Jonathan said.

“Fear, exhaustion and uncertainty become daily companions in NICU. Therapy can help parents cope emotionally so that they can be present for their children when it matters most.”

Inspired by Morgan’s courage

The foundation and the Cape Epic challenge are inspired by the life and legacy of Morgan Wilken, Tyronne’s three-year-old son, who passed away on April 9 last year after a courageous battle with a rare and incurable heart condition, Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM).

In the quiet, heart-wrenching days following Morgan’s passing, his parents, Maudi and Tyronne Wilken, faced a defining decision.

“We could sit with our grief, or we could let Morgan’s love grow into something that helps others. We chose the latter,” Maudi said.

Just days after his death, Morgan’s memorial page was transformed into what is now known as the I Heart Morgan Wilken Foundation for Change, dedicated to supporting families caring for critically or terminally ill children.

“Morgan touched so many lives. He was an absolute ray of sunshine, no matter how sick he was. We wanted his love and legacy to carry on so that other families can feel the support we wished for ourselves,” the Wilkens said.

A life of love despite illness

Although Morgan’s life was short, it was rich with joy, resilience and love.

Described by one of his therapists as simply ‘love,’ Morgan embraced life wholeheartedly.

He loved books, dancing and playing even during frequent hospital stays.

Diagnosed at just 18 months old, Morgan’s condition placed immense emotional, physical and financial strain on his family.

“We were both working full-time. I stayed home to care for Morgan’s twin, while Maudi worked from the hospital. We did everything we could to keep Morgan stimulated, from books and toys to homeschooling from a hospital bed,” Tyronne recalled.

Despite having medical aid, the costs mounted rapidly.

“In January last year alone, we went through R20 000 in savings,” he said.

A crowdfunding campaign helped the family through some of their darkest moments. Today, the remaining funds are being channelled directly into the foundation to support others walking the same path.

Turning pain into purpose

Since its inception, the I Heart Morgan Wilken Foundation has already begun making a meaningful impact.
One of its first acts of giving came when Maudi noticed a Facebook post listing urgently needed items for a children’s unit at Stepping Stone Hospice.

“Without hesitation, we donated everything on the list. We just knew this was what Morgan would want. We wanted to be a voice for other families to stand up for them and support them,” she said.

The gesture deeply moved the hospice team, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and invited the foundation to continue working with them.

Beyond donations, the foundation is collaborating with a hospital to introduce counselling and play therapy for parents with babies in NICU and PICU, with the goal of making emotional support a standard part of care.

“We want to help change the system from within. Parents are often overlooked, yet their mental well-being directly affects their children’s recovery,” Jonathan said.

Practical support born from experience

Drawing from their own journey, the Wilkens are also developing a survival guide for parents facing long hospital admissions, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and reassurance.

Other initiatives include:

• Mini libraries in NICU and PICU wards, allowing parents to read to their children.

• Joy bags, filled with activities to bring comfort and distraction to young patients.

• PEG care packages for families of children with feeding tubes, equipped with accessories that the Wilkens found invaluable during Morgan’s care.

“These are small things. But when you’re living in a hospital, small things mean everything,” Tyronne said.

Riding for healing

To ensure accessibility and accountability, the brothers have partnered with BackaBuddy as their fundraising platform, making it easy for individuals, families and businesses to contribute.

“Every rand goes twice as far. One ride means two life-changing outcomes,” Jonathan said.

“We know the road. We’ve walked it. Now we want to walk it with others, to ease the burden even just a little,” the family said.

Community members and businesses are invited to support the initiative through donations, partnerships, volunteering, or contributing items and professional services.

For more information or to get involved, contact Maudi Wilken at iheartmorganwilken@gmail.com or 072 211 6063.

The BackaBuddy link: Morgan Wilken – Racing for Therapy

“Morgan was love. And that is the legacy we want to carry forward,” they concluded.

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