Dad’s special cycle in aid of Unity College

A 19 day, nine hour and 15 minute mountain bike ride across the country in minus degree temperatures raised about R130 000 for Unity College.

Doug Kennaugh, father of eight-year-old Kayla, who attends the special needs school in Broadacres, rode in Race Across South Africa to raise funds for Unity College’s Building Fund for a new classroom. The school hopes to relocate but the costly exercise is aimed at R15 million.

Unity College’s Advancement Officer Michelle Kirk said, “Building is an extremely expensive exercise and knowing that the funds raised from one individual’s tenacity and commitment to his down-syndrome daughter and her school, gives us hope that the funding will come in, given the hard work that Doug has displayed on his gruelling Ride Across South Africa.”

The school extended heartfelt thanks to the Kennaugh family and sponsors.

Kennaugh said, “Whenever times got tough I would think about the generosity of everyone that was supporting me and had made donations, and that all of this will have long-lasting benefits for my daughter and other special needs children. That was more than enough motivation to surmount adversity.”

This is the second time Kennaugh has cycled the race from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington, with maps for navigation and supply stations every 100km.

Kennaugh said, “The first time it’s almost that ‘ignorance is bliss’ but when you know what you are going to have to endure, it’s a challenge.” Overall he found the ride better, especially the 8km portage in Stettynskloof which he completed in six hours opposed to nine hours the last time.

Torrential downpours and snow was his biggest challenge the last time, but this time it was the cold temperatures with the coldest drop at minus 11 degrees Celsius.

He found the navigation was easier, and even helped another lost cyclist find her way, and ended up crossing the finishline with her.

“I realised how privileged I am to be able to participate in an event like this and to have the physical ability to do it and the support of my family to enable me to take the time out to do this, it makes me very grateful. The people along the trail and the support stations, local communities and farmers who open up their homes to make you welcome. They are very special people.”

Details: Doug Kennaugh’s blog