AT the end of June Garth Lezard started a 3 000km round trip through South Africa to raise awareness and funds for the Leonard Cheshire Homes which looks after people with disabilities, illness and people living with degenerative disorders. Having cycled through four countries on six continents totalling 30 000 kilometers, the intrepid adventurer and globe peddler returned earlier this year from his Oceania region trip, which included cycling across Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji.
It was on this trip, the former Northlands Primary school pupil decided on adding a new aspect to his world travels.
“When I started mapping out which routes to take in Australia and New Zealand, I thought about a new aspect to raise money for charity by visiting the different Super Rugby teams, collecting memorabilia and raffling it off to raise funds for charity,” he said.
“There have been many around the world cycling adventures completed, but I want to be the first Super Rugby fan to be recognised as having cycled through all 15 Super Rugby teams in the world.”
He returned to a heroes welcome on Thursday with members from the Leonard Cheshire Home bearing banners with messages of support and cheering him on as he entered the final stretch of his epic journey.
“I never expected that. It was such a touching gesture, and it was just a great way to end my journey,” he said. Garth is now one ride away from becoming the first man in history to cycle between every Super Rugby team. His plan is to now cycle from uShaka to Growth Point Kings Park for the Sharks next home game.
“This whole journey has been a blessing and one I’ll never forget. One of the most special memories on this particular cycle trip was sitting in the Chris Burger Petro Jackson box at Newlands with a lot of rugby players who are being looked after by the Leonard Cheshire Home in Cape Town.
He started his epic journey in 2010 combining two of his passions, photography and travel.
“Each country I travelled to I visited a Leonard Cheshire Home and it occurred to me that I could raise money for such a fantastic foundation and give something back to them,” he said.
If you would like to get involved in Garth’s journey contact him on 076 223 0131 or email garthlezard@hotmail.com
