The Amashova is not just a sporting event and celebrating it’s charity angle are Melissa Felt, Stephanie Berry from The Sunflower Fund and Annie Batchelder from Right on the Night. Last year’s race saw tandem riders Andrew McLean and Graham Cronje win the tandem category and break the two hours twenty minute challenge by three minutes in turn raising R90 000 for The Sunflower Fund.
Due to an injury Robbie Hunter had to pull out and pass the 'reins' over to Graham Cronje who certainly stepped up to the mark. Although hours of training goes into achieving a time of 2h17, the cyclists looked relaxed and happy at the end of the race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
"Not only is it an awesome sporting achievement but the athletes have given hope to children and young adults suffering with leukaemia and other life threatening blood disorders", comments Tenley Cummings, PR Manager for The Sunflower Fund who met them at the finish. "We are over the moon with the donation which will be used to pay for the tissue typing of healthy, committed bone marrow stem cell donors".
Miles4Marrow Participants
Laura Fish- I have only been cycling for the past nine months and can honestly say it has been a life changing experience for me. I was always a spectator cheering on the side wishing it was me taking part. We tend to make so many excuses and find so many obstacles as to why we can’t do things and I have since learnt, if you want to do something do it now, today. When my friend arrived home with a tandem bicycle and full cycling kit I knew there was no turning back. The cycling bug bit hard and I have since participated in a number of events. Riding tandem has both it’s challenges and it’s rewards, in my case I get to spend quality time with someone close to me and the challenge comes when you have to keep your sense of humour when the hill you are going up seems relentless.
Being able to cycle the Amashova and raise money on behalf of The Sunflower Fund is a great privilege and adds more value and meaning to my life. Being a pre-school teacher and being in contact with young healthy children on a daily basis and knowing that in some small way I am making an impact on their lives is a very humbling experience. I am now been given the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of children who are not as fortunate and who rely on our support for their future. I truly hope that you will support me in my quest to make that difference in their lives. All children are little seeds that need to be given the opportunity to grow and blossom into sunflowers.
Johan Roux- I started cycling about 5 years ago when reaching a cross-road in my life. This decision has had a very positive impact in how I live my life today. Not only does cycling help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle but the friendships that are made and the camaraderie that is shared is priceless. I have participated in a number of major cycling events across the country and although I am no “Lance Armstrong” I have always been happy with my performances. Cycling tandem has been a very refreshing change for me, I am able to share a passion with someone close to me and we are able to spend quality time together. To be able to reap the benefits of hard work and determination is a very rewarding experience, and for me to be able to cycle the Amashova on behalf of the Sunflower Fund knowing that my small contribution will make a difference in a young child’s life leaves me feeling like a true winner. I urge you to support me in this endeavor.
Doug Watson-To all the incredible people who have fought with deep rooted courage and determination the battles of sickness, I just want to tell you that you inspire me and challenge me to truly live. Your faces shine with perseverance and I salute you. I count it a huge privilege to ride for you...to remind you that you are never alone, you have a team of people who want to keep your spirits up, keep you fighting hard and keep you laughing (It's great medicine).
May God surround you with His LOVE and with friends who carry you through. It's with great pride I carry THE SUNFLOWER FUND name and every one it represents in the AMASHOVA CYCLE RACE.
Doug Watson. Professional Cricket Player (DOLPHINS 1990 - 2007)
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