AS a former quadruple-heart-bypass patient with two stents as well as being a diabetic, Durban North resident Linga Naidoo knows the importance of healthcare and how it impacts lives.

The 68-year-old has raised close to R100 000 as an individual for various organisations, among them the St Theresa’s Children’s Home, the Chatsworth Regional Hospice Association and the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust.

He has also cycled to raise funds for cancer research.

As he did last year, Naidoo is cycling the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March to raise funds for the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust to give back to those who couldn’t afford life-saving surgeries.

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Naidoo, a member of the East Coast Cycling Club, has set a fundraising target of R10 000.

“Last year I think I raised just a little more than R7000. Groote Schuur Hospital set up the Trust as there were patients awaiting essential surgery due to the challenges to the healthcare system. As someone who has received life-saving surgery, I know the importance of raising these funds for those who are on the waiting list for cataract removals or cancer surgeries. I truly hope people get behind my fundraising initiative. Any amount is welcome, and if I do go beyond my target, that would be amazing too,” he said.

He has already raised R5469 and explained why cycling has become his outlet to give back.

“When I joined the cycling community it was a way to keep fit and make friends. However, ever since I retired I’ve used the time on my bicycle to cycle with friends for various causes,” he said.

He has also used his feet to do the talking and last year was part of a group of Durban residents who walked from Kochi to Kanyakumari in India for 10 consecutive days covering a distance of 300km.

As the Cape Town Cycle Tour looms on March 9, Naidoo has been upping his mileage.

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“Training has been going well. For the last three months I’ve covered 840km which should keep me prepared for the race. For me this isn’t about finishing in a record time but rather ensuring I finish. I will be taking a few friends with me on cycling the race and my plan is to be encouraging to everyone on the route,” he said.

If you would like to support Naidoo’s fundraiser, visit his GivenGain page.

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