Racing for dog attack victims

Danny-lee Fowler (32) from North Riding, is racing in the 2014 Absa Cape Epic in order to raise R500 000 for the corrective surgeries of the dog attack victims.

The cycling race ends 30 March and Fowler is part of Team Liqui-Fruit. Fowler is competing to raise money for Angus Makubela (17) and Ulrich van Pletzen (8), who were attacked by dogs and require corrective surgery.

Makubela was attacked by a bull terrier 10 years ago and part of his face and ear were badly damaged. His mother, Cynthia Makubela said she appreciates Fowler for caring about her son.

“We have paid a lot for the operations,” she said.

“It’s thanks to caring people we are able to be assisted.”

Van Pletzen was mauled by a dog in Struisbaai, Western Cape, in 2009 when he was four years old. He has undergone several operations but he will need 30 more until he is 21 years old to rebuild his jaw, nose and lip and he still requires a dental implant.

“Our medical aid listed it as cosmetic surgery and they will not cover most of them,” explained his mother, Rene van Pletzen.

“He lost almost his entire face. We are very thankful to the team riding for our son and everyone helping us.”

“I like to make a difference to these two boys’ lives,” Fowler said.

“Raising money for charity is not easy and neither is the Absa Cape Epic. Both require teamwork and discipline and together we can do it.”

Fowler can be followed or contacted on Facebook (at MTB Skills) and on Twitter (@MTBSkillsSA).

Liqui-Fruit iCan and the Cipla Miles for Smiles Foundation hope to provide corrective surgery to Makubela, van Pletzen, and several others.

Cipla Miles for Smiles Foundation Founder David Grier said his fund raising racing activities showed him the planet is beautiful, but is also home to pain and suffering experienced by children.