Cyclist’s commitment boosts the fight against GBV at Mercy Haven
Flanagan, who was born and bred in Boksburg, informed supporters that he intends to undertake a 3 200km charity ride towards the end of the year.
After completing a solo 1 600km cycle challenge from Boksburg to St Helena Bay over 10 days just before Christmas, cyclist Tyrone Flanagan fulfilled his pledge to raise money for Boksburg’s Mercy Haven.
Flanagan organised a BackaBuddy (Smiles for Miles) fundraiser and committed to donating half the money raised to the centre’s Ubuntu House, while using the remainder to purchase a more competitive racing bicycle.
He confirmed to Boksburg Advertiser that a total of R65 162 was raised and R32 719, a little more than 50%, was transferred to Mercy Haven.
On July 6, Flanagan and the management of Mercy Haven invited Boksburg Advertiser to cover an official handover of the funds to the shelter for abused women and their children.
“This handover is a very emotional moment for me. After months of planning, training and spending long days in the saddle, finally being able to hand over the donation makes
every challenge worthwhile.
“It reminds me that the ride was never about me; it was about making a difference in the lives of others and showing that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they have a purpose,” said Flanagan.
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He provided supporters with daily updates from the road, and when the campaign ended in March, half of the donations were transferred into Mercy Haven’s bank account.
“Completing the ride in that heat tested me mentally and physically. I’m humbled by the support and glad it will help Mercy Haven,” said Flanagan.
Even after the cycle challenge ended, donations kept coming in.
Midway through March, the BackaBuddy campaign ended, and Mercy Haven’s share of the proceeds was transferred to the shelter’s account.
Flanagan, who was born and bred in Boksburg, informed supporters that he intends to undertake a 3 200km charity ride towards the end of the year, but hasn’t decided on a beneficiary yet.
Also Read: Mercy Haven AGM postponed
