Newcastle cyclist, Steven Bezuidenhout, is recovering after suffering serious injuries in a fall during the Umko Adventure two-day stage race in the Richmond area on Sunday, August 17.

Steven’s wife, Lee-Ann, said that he and his brother, Timothy, had been riding together when tragedy struck.

“While cycling at speed, Steven’s handlebars clipped a tree, spinning him off balance. He landed heavily on his back against a sharp rock and immediately realised something was terribly wrong, he could not move,” she explained.

Fortunately, Timothy was at his side, and a doctor, also competing in the race, was first on the scene.

Organisers and paramedics responded swiftly, moving Steven back to the base camp on a stretcher before transferring him to hospital in a 4×4 vehicle.

Doctors confirmed that Steven suffered severe injuries, shattering all the ribs on the left-hand side of his body and puncturing a lung. While the lung injury is stable, his ribs are too fragmented to heal naturally.

His consulting doctor, Dr Jehron Pillay, has recommended urgent surgery to insert steel plates and stabilise the ribcage.

This procedure should speed up his recovery and ease the pain.

Following surgery, Steven is expected to remain in ICU for two to three days.

At home, his family described Steven as the rock of his family.

His two sons, Mark and Matthew, miss their father deeply, and the accident has been particularly emotional for them.

His wife and extended family are staying strong, drawing comfort from the overwhelming support shown by friends, loved ones, and the community.

Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, the family’s medical aid lapsed six months ago.

They now face the challenge of covering significant medical expenses on their own.

Despite the efforts of friends and relatives to assist, the family has humbly requested further donations to help cover the cost of Steven’s surgery and his hospital stay in high care at Pietermaritzburg Mediclinic.

To contribute towards his recovery, donations can be made through his Back-a-Buddy campaign: backabuddy.co.za/campaign/steven-bezuidenhout.

“From the bottom of our hearts, I, the boys, and Steven’s family thank you. Your kindness, support, and prayers mean more than words can express,” Lee-Ann said.

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