Pressure builds for Amanzimtoti mountain bike rider’s fundraising aim

Amanzimtoti mountain biker, Malcolm Wallace needs your help to raise much-needed funds for little Faron-Mae Fisher.

Malcolm will cycle the 36ONE mountain bike challenge in Oudtshoorn on 21 April to raise funds for six-year-old Faron-Mae, who is battling her diagnosis of an extremely rare genetic disease, glycogen storage type 0.

This will be his fourth 36ONE challenge and his second fundraising ride. “Last year I rode to raise funds for cancer sufferer Levi Palframan,” he said. “Halfway through the ride, his dad contacted me to say his son was given the all-clear, but I should continue and donate the money to the Little Fighters Cancer Trust.”

Malcolm has entered two 36ONE challenges as part of a team and this will be his second solo ride.

He will attempt to complete the 361km distance challenge in three days. “My training has been going well,” he said. “I hope to finish, but you never know until the day.

I’ve been working through a weekly programme devised by Belgium mountain bike coach, Martin Gybelf. In the last five weeks I’ve been averaging between 280km and 300km a week. Since January, I have completed about 3,600km.”

READ MORE ABOUT MALCOLM’S CHALLENGE: MTB fundraiser to match Faron-Mae’s strength

Malcolm’s daughter Dominque is Faron-Mae’s teacher and facilitator, which is how he learned about the little girl’s plight.

“For me to raise enough funds for Faron-Mae, we need the Toti public to donate as much as possible.

I am also open to any monetary challenge to reach my time goal. Last year I finished in 25 hours and 15 minutes and this year I hope to finish in 24 hours, but am aiming for 22 hours.”

To sponsor Malcolm, call Faron-Mae’s mother Paula on 082-304-8195 or Malcolm’s wife Vivian on 082-446-9064.

“We challenge local businesses to get involved, as we are quite a way away from our target of R50,000,” said Paula. “The race is in a week’s time and the pressure is now on.

Thanks to Vivian, who is doing a sterling job of heading up the fundraising at every opportunity she gets. She is amazing.”