The Ride for Hope team made up of around 40 cyclists, took on the ‘Race to the Sun’ this weekend to raise awareness of organ donation.
North West, South Africa (13 May 2024)—The Ride for Hope cycling team took on the ‘Race to the Sun’ this past weekend to raise funds and awareness for organ donation in South Africa. The event consists of two races: one from Harties to Sun City and the other from Brits to Sun City.
“A team of almost 40 cyclists embarked on a remarkable journey to raise awareness for organ donation by participating in the “Race to the Sun” event, covering 100mile, (165km) from Harties to Sun City on Saturday, May 11th. Some of the team members cycled the shorter 50 miles (87km) from Brits to Sun City.”
About Ride for Hope
Ride for Hope was born in 2018 when Braam Blom cycled 1,800km on a mountain bike from Pretoria to Cape Town. The key aim was to create awareness around organ donation and encourage donor registrations.
Braam is a living donor, having donated a kidney to his wife Belinda in 2012. Belinda is currently back on the waiting list for another kidney and undergoes regular dialysis treatments.
Organ donation gave the couple more time, and now they hope that a second donation will help Belinda with a third chance to live a long, full life!
About Organ Donation
It’s estimated that less than 0.6% of eligible organ donors in South Africa are registered, while over 4,300 adults and children eagerly await organ and corneal transplants. Less than 600 people will receive a transplant and the “Gift of Life” this year, due to this critical shortage. Tragically many children and adults die whilst waiting for a lifesaving transplant, while others will have to undergo dialysis treatment for many years while on the waiting list.
Ride for Hope is endorsed by the Organ Donor Foundation of SA (ODF).
“You don’t need a cape to be a hero; having a conversation and sharing your wishes with loved ones can save lives. It only takes 2 minutes to create hope.”
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Here is how you can become an organ donor:
- Firstly, register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s
on toll-free number – 0800 22 66 11. - It’s important to inform your family and make it known to them to honour your wishes.
- The most important part of organ and tissue donation is that you undertake to make it known:
- Ensure you have the conversation with your family, colleagues and your friends.
The only way we can save those on the waiting list is to raise awareness. We have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible South Africans who have received donated organs, and their stories always leave us feeling hopeful. You can read some of them here.
If you are already a registered donor, let us know in the comment section.
Sources: Ride for Hope
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