They ride for a cause
FOURWAYS – Greig Hamilton from Fourways is taking on the joBerg2c mountain bike challenge to raise awareness and support for children who suffer from juvenile arthritis.
Only old people get arthritis, right?
Wrong – it is estimated that about 60 000 children in South Africa will be affected by the disease, a fact that is not well known even among medical practitioners and doctors.
After having his own family affected by juvenile arthritis, Fourways resident and father Greig Hamilton has decided to take on the joBerg2c Mountain Bike Challenge from 26 April until 4 May. Although the ride will be challenging, Hamilton (along with eight other riders who volunteered to join him as well as Simba the plush toy mascot) is taking on the journey to raise awareness about juvenile arthritis as well as to support the Arthritis Kids South Africa organisation which supports children suffering from the disease and their families.
“My son Gareth is 13 years old and an avid sportsmen,” said Hamilton. “He’s quite active in cricket and attends HeronBridge College.”
In June last year, and after a five-day action cricket tournament, Gareth began to complain of pains in his legs and back and his parents took him to the family doctor. This was the beginning of a months-long ordeal for the family as their son was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and suffered from its symptoms.
“From about July last year all the way to December, Gareth couldn’t walk and couldn’t play cricket, he had to use crutches and was in hospital four or five times.
“Fortunately during his first visit to our GP, the doctor did a blood test [which indicated the possibility of arthritis] and he was able to get on medication thanks to a rheumatologist. He’s on the mend now, and although the illness may not go away it can go into remission. We’re very fortunate that his doctor did the test and that we have good medical aid to pay for treatment.”
But many families are not so fortunate. Either their medical practitioner does not know that children can be affected by the illness and so do not factor it into their treatment plans, or care and treatment is too expensive for the family to afford. It is for this reason that Hamilton decided to undertake the joBerg2c ride, which sees cyclists take on a 900km-long mountainous trail from Heidelberg outside Joburg to Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Eight other riders have volunteered to ride with me, and we’ll be riding to raise awareness about the disease and also to raise funds for Arthritis Kids South Africa. We’re hoping to raise R30 000.”
Five sponsors have already come on board to support the team, and although the route will be long, Hamilton is determined to finish. He also has some advice for other families who are going through the same thing.
“Your child having arthritis is a journey you go through as a family, and each child’s journey is unique. Stay positive and make sure you get the right medical treatment and advice. We’re so grateful for the prayers and support our family got through this.”
To support the cyclists: www.backabuddy.co.za
Related article:
