MOUNT Edgecombe resident Gordon Reid plans on testing his stamina and determination for the greater good by cycling 990km to raise funds for the Butterfly Palliative Home.

The home in Northern KZN is a children’s hospice that provides end-of-life care to young children with severe disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

In the past 12 years the 52-year-old has run, hiked, pedaled, paddled, walked and completed several triathlons covering more than 9000km for various charities.

On February 26, Reid will begin an 881km ride over eight days from Clarens to Cape Town as part of the Trans Karoo Spirit Ride, followed by the Cape Cycle Tour 109km to round off the 990km.

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“I’m riding to raise R40 000 for the Rotary Club of Empangeni with funds going to the Butterfly Palliative Home. The club are doing incredible work to uplift destitute communities and they’ve already raised funds for this project, but I wanted to help them in order that they can do more outreach work,” he said. “The donations will help provide medical equipment, trained caregivers, outreach services, transport to hospitals, and dignity, comfort, and care for children who need it most.

“I was convinced to do this last year but I just couldn’t fit it in as I was also completing my first Comrades Marathon. It was a hell of a commitment so I was able to give it my all this year. I’ve completed a few cycle races, the longest one is probably the Great Annual Bicycle Ride Across Natal (GABRAN), a three-day ride across KwaZulu-Natal. This will be my greatest test. Having never done the Cape Town Cycle Tour, I felt it was best to combine the Trans Karoo Spirit Ride with the cycle tour to give back,” he said.

Reid encouraged residents to support his fundraising initiative under the title Wheels of Hope Trans Karoo Spirit Ride.

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“Every contribution, big or small, helps uplift communities in need. So far I’ve raised a little over R12 000 for the cause and I’m so grateful to a gent by the name of Cobus Rossouw, who pledged R2 per kilometre covered. I don’t know who you are but thank you,” he said.

To donate to Reid’s cause, visit his fundraising page.

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