The 2025 Grandads’ Army Memorial Ride concluded on March 6, as 42 cyclists arrived in Gordon’s Bay via the scenic Clarens Drive after a five-day challenge to raise funds for the Eyabantwana Trust.
The event aimed to raise R400,000 but exceeded expectations, securing more than R550,000, with donations still coming in.
The ride began 10 years ago, founded by Colin Lazarus, a paediatric surgeon and one of the original six cyclists. The first ride, initially called the Rob Burton Memorial Ride, was named in honour of Burton, who was tragically killed in a cycling accident before their departure. Over time, the event evolved into the Grandads’ Army Memorial Ride, paying tribute to cyclists lost along the way.
The original team rode from East London to Stellenbosch, covering a challenging route through Komani, Molteno, Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet, Willowmore, De Rust, Oudtshoorn, and other towns before reaching the Stellenbosch farms district, where they completed their journey with the Liberty Life Stellenbosch Cycle Tour.
What began as a one-time initiative grew into an annual tradition, with cyclists raising funds for the Eyabantwana Trust and promoting safe cycling practices. Over the past decade, the ride has raised R3.5m, improving pediatric surgical services in East London hospitals.
This year’s funds will help purchase a flexible gastroscope for the Carte Blanche Paediatric Surgical Theatre at Frere Hospital, the only theatre of its type in the Eastern Cape.
Reflecting on the ride’s meaning, Rodney Offord, an original rider preparing for his 10th consecutive ride, said: “We don’t know when our last day will come, so we must be prepared, especially spiritually.”
For more information about the Grandads Army Memorial Ride and the Eyabantwana Trust, please contact Eyabantwana Trust public relations officer and fundraiser, Trystan Viaene on 071-888-8833 or admin@eyabantwana.co.za.
