A group of 33 South African cyclists raised over R1,7 million for charity… and it took them just eight days!
Western Cape, South Africa (10 February 2023) – The Oncology department a Groote Schuur Hospital has just found out that they have been selected as one of three beneficiaries to receive funding from the Wheel2Heal cycling initiative that raised over R1.7 million through their 8-day cycling journey from Mossel Bay to Cape Town in December 2022!
In this incredible example of generosity and determination, 33 cyclists ranging from beginners to very experienced (and including one hand cyclist) dedicated their time, physicality and networks to not only raising money but also to delivering cancer education/awareness, and providing food parcels throughout the rural towns that they passed through over their 8-day adventure.
Dr Elias Parker, the founder of Wheel2Heal, created this initiative to give back to the community and honour the memory of his beloved wife, Maryam, who died of cancer several years ago.
“The Oncology department and Groote Schuur Hospital Trust are deeply indebted to the Wheel2Heal cyclists for the incredible R1 million donation towards the refurbishment of the Groote Schuur Hospital’s new outpatient chemotherapy room. Oncology sees about 3,000 new patients per year, with that number rising every year. We accommodate about 7,000 chemotherapy visits in our outpatient department.”
The hospital has outgrown its chemotherapy rooms and the spaces are crowded and cramped with a lack of fresh air and natural light, making the workflow difficult and the environment not conducive to efficiency or the well-being of patients. This money will allow them to carefully and thoughtfully re-purpose a large space within the department to make a large, airy chemotherapy room that promotes efficiency, safety and comfort.
“In addition, we will be able to extend our pharmacy to accommodate additional space and workload since we have been able to extend our program for the administration of biologicals. The chemotherapy room will be upgraded in the name and memory of Maryam Parker.”
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