In a remarkable display of determination and compassion, 20-year-old Joel Smith, an adventure racer, runner and cyclist from East London, completed a gruelling 1,500km mountain bike journey across SA to raise R76,537.92 for the King’s Children’s Home.
His incredible feat was aimed at shining a spotlight on the plight of vulnerable and abandoned children, a cause close to his heart.
This tough venture was his second endurance event in aid of the Kings Children’s Home.
In 2023, at the age of only 19, he ran the entire length of Lesotho’s borders to raise R100,000 for the home.
Starting his mountain bike feat on December 29 last year, at Union’s End in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where the borders of SA, Namibia, and Botswana meet, he pedaled his way south through challenging terrain.
His journey concluded six days later in Struisbaai, near Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent.
Averaging 250km per day, he pushed his physical and mental limits to champion the needs of the 70 children cared for at the home.
“While I love pushing myself to the limit in the outdoors, I wanted to use my passion for a greater purpose,” Smith said.
“The King’s Children’s Home has been part of my life for over a decade through my family’s involvement, and I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work they do.
“This journey was my way of giving back.”
His adventure was powered by the generosity of local businesses, each sponsoring a day of his challenge with R10,000.
Sponsors included Link FM, Morgan Bay Hotel, Brewcon, Hi-Way Motors, C Traders and Packrite Direct, with each brand represented on custom jerseys Smith wore daily.
“The support from these businesses was humbling.
“They pulled out all the stops to make this fundraiser a success.
“It reminded me that everyone can contribute to making a difference, whether big or small,” he said.
Other businesses stepped in to cover costs, including Industrial Controls, Bike Yard, Merrell and Pixl Online, among other supporters.
Smith’s family and support team — his parents Martin and Fran, sister Jemma, and girlfriend Jenelle Labuschagne — traveled alongside him, ensuring his journey ran smoothly.
His preparation for the journey was as rigorous as the cycle itself.
Training up to 27 hours a week at his peak, he balanced indoor sessions on a stationary bike after work with long outdoor rides on weekends.
He credited his coach, Eben Hartslief, from Peak Performance Coaching, for guiding him to success.
“The route was tough to plan. We couldn’t cycle through the Big Five Kgalagadi National Park, so we adjusted by traveling through Namibia. The unpredictability of the terrain and climate kept us on our toes,” he said.
“I hope this cycle inspires others to dream big and take on challenges that benefit those in need. Whether it’s raising funds or simply volunteering your time, everyone can do something to help.”
King’s Children’s Home founder Tracy King expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Smith’s efforts.
“Joel is an extraordinary young man who embodies compassion and determination. His efforts remind us that we’re not alone in our challenges.
“The pressing challenges we face are the systems we have to work within. Drugs have taken over our city and our children are deeply affected by this. Their daily challenges are many but we love them enough to work through those challenges as best we can.”
The home faces huge financial pressures, caring for 70 children without government funding.
“Our monthly needs are immense — nappies, formula, food, salaries — and Joel’s fundraiser has been a lifeline,” King said.
If you still would like to donate towards #Joelcycle, contact Fran Smith on 083-2944-019.
