Cyclists sweat for a cause at Melrose Arch

Hundreds of cyclists worked up a sweat for a good cause on 6 September at Melrose Arch as part of the Sasfin Cyclethon.

The annual event was started by fitness fanatic Denise Modlin who lost her dad to cancer in 1995 and is herself a breast cancer survivor. “Anything I can do to sweat and involve a crowd for a good cause is great. It’s my way of giving back. I love my sport,” said Modlin.

Proceeds from the event were split between Hospice Wits and Smile Foundation – causes close to Modlin’s heart.

“Today is wow!” said Modlin. “I am so thankful for each participant.”

The energetic event welcomed community members to spin on bikes (sponsored by Planet Fitness) to vibrant music. Some cyclists chose to spin for a full six sessions in preparation for upcoming cycling events while others opted to spin for 50 minutes.

Events coordinator from Hospice Wits Godwill Maseko said, “Today is one of the highlights of our year. It shows us that South Africa is pro-us. There isn’t a better feeling than seeing people raising funds in a healthy way.”

Watch as cyclists break a sweat for a good cause:

Maseko said he hoped to raise funds to support 1 900 patients through the cyclethon. The NPO works to care for 5 600 people each year through home-based care and in-patient units in Houghton and Soweto. Hospice Wits provides palliative care, counselling, holistic care and support to patients suffering from a terminal illness.

Maseko encouraged community members who were unable to join the event on the day to support Hospice Wits by volunteering, offering professional services to the organisation, donating to their charity shops or providing monthly donations to support their running costs. Visit www.hospicewits.co.za for more information.

Smile Foundation CEO Hedley Lewis said the organisation seeks to assist 300 children with facial reconstructive surgeries each year. They assist children in need of cleft lip and palate surgeries and those suffering from burns injuries.

“If there is any doubt that South Africa wants to help and is a rainbow nation, people should come here and see what’s happening,” said Lewis. “We want to thank South Africans for using innovative ways to uplift the community. Without public help, these surgeries would not be possible.”

Lewis said the event would assist about 13 children to receive surgery. He also encouraged community members to refer children in need of surgery to the Smile Foundation by visiting www.smilefoundationsa.org

Related articles:

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/262830/sarah39cyclethon/

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/241448/refer-a-child-who-needs-a-smile/

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/260686/hospicewits-in-patient-unit-gets-refurbished/