On Monday, 5 October 2015, a 21-year old student from Potchefstroom will attempt to wake up South Africa, one pedal stroke at a time, in what will be known as the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge. His motivation? To raise awareness of childhood cancer, and to raise funds for childhood cancer NPO, the Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT).
Spurred into action after visiting the LFCT facebook page and recognising the severe lack of childhood cancer awareness in his country and a need for tactile support to children with cancer and their families, Francois ‘Faf’ Naude decided do DO something instead of just passively lamenting the status quo. The 24 Hour Challenge is the first on his list of planned cycling challenges, soon to be followed by assaults on numerous World records.
The 24 Hour Challenge will start at 14:00 on October 5th, just outside Hoedspruit, and comprises of six legs in total, with a 15 minute break between legs. The end of this one-man race across Mpumalanga will be Volksrust, and Francois will need to maintain an average speed of 23-25 kilometres per hour to finish within the 24 hours.
Unforeseen challenges Francois might face on the road may include extreme weather conditions, exhaustion, dehydration, muscle fatigue and low night temperatures. However, all of this is within this determined fitness fanatic’s comfort zone. As he puts it, “I am just the guy on the bike; I am not worried about the distance, conditions or the time. I know I can do it. I have my mind set on it already. My biggest concern is that I really want to make a big splash for the Little Fighters Cancer Trust and highlight the incredible work they do for children with cancer.”
Following its first attempt in support of LFCT – the Seven7 Drive, in which three intrepid adventurers travelled 7000km, through 7 countries, in just 7 days in a new #kia Sorento – #kia Motors South Africa is happy to be a support sponsor of the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge. Francois’s cycling attempt will include the well-known Seven7 Drive Sorento as official support vehicle, with a three member support team comprising #kia South Africa’s social media manager, Randy Robertson; events organiser and avid cycling enthusiast, Stephanie Scorgie; and Douglas Rathbone, a sports scientist, cycling specialist and former Kaizer Chiefs conditioning coach.
With regular updates on Francois’s progress and conditions on the road, which will be provided in video and photographic form, Francois hopes to create a great presence on social media and mainstream media, highlighting childhood cancer awareness as well as creating momentum for the fundraising opportunities which both the public and #corporate South Africa can get behind.
LFCT’s Mandie Erasmus says, “It is one thing to be there for childhood cancer families in an emotionally supportive role, but when asked to put food on family’s tables, provide medical equipment and transport to and from hospital for a child’s treatment, to only mention a small part of what we do, we need funds. As a small, underfunded but hugely active charity, with a no turn-away policy, we cannot thank Francois enough for his selfless and passionate efforts to raise both awareness, and funds for LFCT.”
KIA South Africa has joined the cause by not only arranging logistical and road support, but in true “Power to Surprise” spirit, going the extra 440.49 kilometres by encouraging #corporate companies to come on board. “KIA Motors South Africa is very proud to support Francois and The 24 Hour Challenge,” says Christo Valentyn, PR & Product Marketing Manager for #kia Motors. “Our first endeavour in aid of Little Fighters Cancer Trust, the Seven7 Drive, put the all-new #kia Sorento through its paces as it travelled 7000km through seven southern African countries in just 7 days. This time around, the Sorento will be there as Francois’ back-up.”
Seven7 KIA Sorento
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The 24 Hour Challenge Full Route
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Little Fighters Cancer Trust at Work
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PR15 02.10 KIA supports Ultimate Challenge in support of Little Fighters Cancer Trust
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