THE Kloof and Highway SPCA operations manager’s aim was to be part of the Race Across South Africa challenge, finish it and raise money for fur friends.

Sarah van Heerden achieved more than that, coming in as the first lady of the race.

With her love of endurance cycling and her country, coupled with raising monies for something she feels passionately about, taking part in the challenge was a win win situation for Van Heerden.

“It is something that makes you feel you are living every day and taking nothing for granted.”

To prepare for the 2000km cycle, the animal lover said she trained hard at both running and cycling.

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“I do long rides on the weekend and mainly run during the week. It is easy to train when you enjoy your training. We cycle a lot in the Inanda Valley where hills and distance are in abundance.”

Asked about the most challenging part of her journey, she said it was definitely the conditions.

“I had not thought about the elements and clearly underestimated that. Being April, I visualised the weather to be far more ideal than it was. We had stages of very strong headwinds that did not relent the whole day.

“We also had storms that brought mud with them, that makes everything that much harder. The early mornings and late evenings in certain areas such as Ladismith were incredibly cold and icy. The terrain was also a factor when the section from Richmond to Rhodes was knobbly, quite rocky and rugged,” she explained.

Because of her experience as an animal rescue centre operations manager, Van Heerden noted that this influenced her approach to challenges as at the SPCA they are persistent and do not take things lying down.

“We realise that there are thousands of animals depending on us and we cannot afford to let them down. If we do not succeed who will be there for them?” she asked.

Van Heerden explained that the funds she raised during the challenge will help get to the root of the problem.

“The over-population of animals we are currently experiencing … we are receiving over 700 animals a month into our Kloof and Highway SPCA. There are not enough good homes and that is the bottom line. We need to stop the breeding of unwanted litters,” she said.

Van Heerden expressed her gratitude, thanking everyone who followed the ride and donated to the cause.

“You have all made a difference and we are currently sitting on R106 000 raised. This means 212 sterilisations – 212 animals that will not have unwanted litters who will be left vulnerable to cruelty. You have all played a part. We are having an outreach clinic for a week in KwaNgcolosi and this will have a major impact,” said the grateful operations manager.

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Following this achievement, Van Heerden is gearing up for her 15th Comrades this year, with her daughter Alex.

“I am already looking at new rides and races, however the most important next is to make sure our Kloof and Highway SPCA continues to fight all animal cruelty and for the public to know we will have zero tolerance towards animal cruelty and will always pursue justice for the animals.”

She added that there are many ways the community can support the SPCA and it does not always have to be monetary.

“We are always needing good second-hand items to sell in our thrift shops. We often need volunteers for both dog walking and in our shops. Currently we are desperately short of tinned dog food and blankets.”

If people would still like to donate, they can use the bank details below.

Kloof and Highway SPCA

FNB

Cheque account

Account number 50730485741

Branch number 221526

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