Cyclists are putting the pedal to the metal in support of cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Wheel to Heal is hoping to raise R2 million in support of the Pink Drive and Multiple Sclerosis Organisation of South Africa.
To put these wheels in motion, a group of 30 cyclists is embarking on a race from Mossel Bay to Cape Town from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 December. This journey will span 550 km and crisscross several small towns such as Caltizdorp, Ladysmith, Montague, Wellington and Paarl. The cyclists will also distribute food hampers to needy communities along the way.
In South Africa, the public health-care system is failing to fulfil the right to access health for cancer patients. Cancer treatment is severely underfunded in the country.
According to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) some 110 000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in South Africa in 2020. The NCR recorded 56 000 cancer-related deaths. Cervical cancer has been identified as the most common cause of cancer deaths among women in South Africa.
The NCR says, on average, South Africa records 22,5 cervical cancer cases per 100 000 women, which is said to be above the global rate of 15,8 per 100 000 women. In recognising the role played by organisations such as Wheel to Heal, Z-Med ambulance will accompany the riders to provide medical support and, if required, emergency medical assistance.
“Cancer and multiple sclerosis impact the lives of many people, who cannot get the critical treatment they need,” says Zahir Vallie, founder of Z-Med. “A cause like Wheel to Heal will allow many affected individuals to get life-saving medical support.
