Four legendary Grandads Army riders are proving age is just a number as they gear up to cycle the length of the UK to ensure every child at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals has the chance at a healthier, brighter future.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (29 April 2026) – The Grandads Army heroes are at it again!
Well, four of them. Andrew Langtree, Phillip Pratt, James ‘Jimbo’ Armstrong and William Hirst will be travelling to the UK to take on the notorious LEJOG Cycling Challenge.
The LEJOG Cycling Challenge is 1650km, or 1000 miles, and traverses the length of the UK, starting in Land’s End –the southernmost point of the UK– and ending in John O’Groats in northeast Scotland.
The journey takes riders through cities such as Cornwall, Devon, and the Scottish Highlands. The terrain is hilly, and the weather is changeable.
Adding to the already demanding challenge, the group will be unsupported on the ride, providing their own fluids and sustenance along the route.
Their adventure begins on 10 May, and they hope to finish on the 26th. And it is all for a cause far greater than themselves – to raise funds for the Eyabantwana For The Children Trust, an organisation dedicated to supporting the pediatric surgical departments at the Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals in East London.
Just a month ago, 36 Grandads Army riders packed their gear for their 11th Memorial Ride – an incredible 1,057km journey through stunning mountain passes, lush valleys, and picturesque small towns. Their efforts culminated in raising R800,000 for the Eyabantwana For The Children Trust!
Now, Andrew, Phillip, James, and William are gearing up to get back in the saddle, this time on the other side of the globe, to support more children in urgent need of vital medical care.
The journey hasn’t even begun, yet their commitment to transforming young lives through such a bold challenge already has us cheering. Anyone wanting to support these incredible heroes can do so by donating online or directly to the Trust’s bank account:
- Account Name: Eyabantwana – For The Children Trust
- Bank Name: Nedbank Limited
- Branch Name: Nedbank South Africa
- Branch Code: 198765
- Account Number: 1138181366
- Account Type: Current Account
- SWIFT Code: NEDSZAJJ (International Banking)
- Deposit Ref: LEJOG
Sources: Eyabantwana For The Children Trust
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