While many riders took part in Ride for Sight to restore the gift of vision, the CHOC Cows seized the opportunity to cycle for children with cancer.
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Dressed in their cow suits, the Cows stood out among the thousands of cyclists at the 34th Dis-Chem Ride for Sight on February 19 at Boksburg Stadium.
The Cows raise funds for children with cancer at various events, including the Midmar Mile, the Jo’Burg Cycle Challenge and the Comrades Marathon.
“Today, we are raising funds for our little heroes fighting cancer,” said Tony Cloete.
Cloete explained that he had dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families.
He said it’s vital for communities to unite and raise awareness of the illnesses that affect children.
“Massive,” he said. “Cancer doesn’t care about your gender, age, sexual orientation or colour. It affects us all. It destroys young lives.
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“At my age, watching a child suffer when I have had a full life hurts,” he said.
The Kempton Park resident commended the work done by the Cows, saying it gives hope to the families of the children at CHOC.
“All we are trying to do is to make the lives of those who don’t have the means easier. We try and support them while their children put up a fight of their lives fighting cancer.”
He urged locals to join the herd and use their lifestyle goals to raise funds for CHOC.
“Please, come and get involved. All these events help. We don’t have a face like the Cows and CHOC because cancer doesn’t have a face,” he said.
About The Cows
With the slogan ‘Love Living Life’, the organisation was started in 2008 by Kerrin and Grant Bain, who lost their daughter, Jessica, to cancer at 20 months old.
The Bains were joined by a group of cyclists keen to make a difference and raise funds for CHOC. CHOC played a significant role in the Bains’ family’s life in the last weeks of Jessica’s life because they provided palliative care and emotional support.
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The group decided to race dressed in cow suits and successfully raised R230 000 for CHOC.
Membership has grown since then with hundreds of people participating in various events wearing cow suits.
The Cows have raised over R30m for specific projects implemented by CHOC.
For more information, go to www.thecows.co.za or email daisy@thecows.co.za
