Great send-off from Boksburg for brothers biking to Italy

Brothers Martin van der Vyver and Clinton Delport had mixed emotions when they embarked on their 18 000km bike ride on August 5 from Boksburg to Italy, to raise awareness about mental health.

They were supported by scores of people during their departure.

Martin said they are going on the journey to honour his friend and colleague Brian Chizinga who died by suicide on March 3.

“We are going to engage with a lot of people on the way about mental health as a part of our efforts to raise awareness. This journey is for Brian. His death affected us terribly. We want to spread the message to men especially that it’s okay to not be okay.

“When I get to Italy I will be sending a message to him to rest in peace. We are expecting to be back in Boksburg on August 10 or 12,” said Martin.

He added that people can support and track them by following their Facebook page and website.

“We are aiming to complete our journey and accomplish something remarkable. Mental illness is not given much attention.

“Men themselves are not given much attention; we only have Father’s Day, that’s all. And mental illness also affects men,” Martin said.

“By us doing something as massive and crazy as this trip, we are hoping people will ask themselves why are these people doing this, and be interested in following us on social media to help spread awareness about mental health.”

On the first day, they travelled from Zeerust to Botswana and on August 7 they will set off from Botswana to Namibia.

Support and follow this epic journey on their website: www.martinsbikeadventures.co.za or Facebook (Martin’s Bike Adventure SA – Italy).

Also Read: Brothers to bike from Boksburg to Italy for mental health awareness

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